When turning left at a green light, a driver
- must yield to oncoming traffic and wait for a safe gap ✓
- has the right of way
- should turn quickly to clear the intersection
- wait until all oncoming traffic is through
Answer: A. must yield to oncoming traffic and wait for a safe gap
When turning left on a steady green light, you must yield to oncoming traffic and wait for a safe gap before turning.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says that on a steady green light, a driver making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic and wait for a safe gap before turning. A green light does not give the left-turning driver the right of way over oncoming vehicles. The turn should happen only when the driver has checked the intersection and found a gap that is safe, not simply because the light is green.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. has the right of way — Having the right of way is wrong because the handbook specifically says a left-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic.
- C. should turn quickly to clear the intersection — Turning quickly to clear the intersection is wrong because the handbook calls for waiting for a safe gap, not rushing the turn.
- D. wait until all oncoming traffic is through — Waiting until all oncoming traffic is through is too absolute; the handbook says to wait for a safe gap, which may come before every oncoming vehicle has cleared.
Remember it
A green light lets you enter, but a left turn still gives way to oncoming traffic until you see a safe gap.