RULES OF THE ROAD

(State of Colorado)

7. Rules of the road

7.4. Turning

The most common faults when making turns are failing to signal, not signaling long enough, failing to search for hazards, turning from the wrong lane, and failing to turn properly.

SIGNALING: Before making any turn, whether the turn is into another roadway, a parking lot, another traffic lane, or leaving a parked position, it is extremely important that you signal. Your signal lets other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians know your intentions.

In urban or metropolitan areas, you must signal continuously for 100 ft. before making a turn or lane change. On four-lane highways where the posted speed limit is more than 40 m.p.h. you must signal for 200 ft.

Failing to signal is a traffic violation.

If your vehicle's turn signals do not work, you must use hand signals. If using hand signals, end your signal before starting to make your turn, and place both hands on the wheel while making your turn.

TURNING FROM THE PROPER LANE - If you are making a left turn, you must begin in the left-most lane. If you are making a right turn, you must begin in the right-most lane, unless traffic signs, signals or lane markings clearly permit turning from more than one lane.

TURNING IN A CORRECT PATH - Do not turn too short so as to cut corners on left turns or run over the curb on right turns. Turning too wide or too late, straddling lanes, or turning into the wrong side of the street will result in not being able to turn into the correct lane. Complete your turn in the lane closest to you on your side of the street. And always follow the solid white lines in intersections using multiple turn lanes.

LEFT TURNS - If you are turning left, you should wait at the stop line or crosswalk until there is a gap in traffic large enough to allow you to pull into the intersection and complete your turn. Pulling into the intersection to wait to turn left blocks the intersection for emergency vehicles, limits visibility for oncoming traffic and puts you in a position to get in an accident if the light changes and oncoming traffic runs the red light while you are making your turn. Never turn the front wheels towards the left while you are waiting to turn. If you happen to get rear ended, you would be pushed into oncoming traffic.

U-TURNS - U-Turns are forbidden unless they can be made without endangering other traffic. They are normally permitted where your vehicle can be seen for a great distance. Prohibitory signs are usually posted at hazardous locations.