Texas Traffic Laws: Waiting in the intersection to turn left. (West: law, dangerous)

[hugepossum]

I'm sure this has been asked before, but I am not completely sure of differences in laws between Texas and other areas. Here is an example:

Ahead is an intersection where I will be turning left. The traffic signal is green (not a green arrow, just a green light). There is oncoming traffic, so I *proceed into the intersection and stop*, then either wait for the oncoming traffic to clear or wait for the signal to change before proceeding left. I see this as positioning yourself for the turn, and it ensures that at least one vehicle waiting to turn left will be allowed to proceed on each green light.

I do this all the time. I always have. I was taught this in drivers education in Iowa. Everyone I know waits in the middle of the intersection on left turns, that is, except my wife.

She is adamant that this practice is dangerous and illegal. I would like some backup here, preferably from law enforcement types, but anyone is welcome. Thanks.

[travelguy_73]

I generally wait just a bit into the intersection, ready to go. AFAIK, if you are in the intersection when the light turns red, you are still OK to make your turn. This doesn't apply if you are behind the line.

Now, if I drove a big truck or SUV, I would probably wait behind the line as it would allow oncoming turning traffic to see around me.

[ShelbyGirl1]

I usually ease out into the intersection.

[catfancier]

I had this very same discussion/argument/hissy fit with a dear friend.

He is with you. I'm with your wife, though I don't agree that moving _into the intersection is illegal. It just makes me nervous and I don't want to be "stuck" out there!

[Mom2Feebs]

While moving into the intersection is not illegal, blocking oncoming traffic when you get yourself stuck after your light turns red is. It is usually a given that the first car will make it through, but subsequent cars need to be careful before proceeding. A light usually lasts less than 45 seconds.

[Wysiwyg]

as long as there is no red arrow i'll wait up to the middle of the intersection. that probably gives oncoming traffic a sign that i'm serious about making this turn

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by Mom2Feebs

While moving into the intersection is not illegal, blocking oncoming traffic when you get yourself stuck after your light turns red is. It is usually a given that the first car will make it through, but subsequent cars need to be careful before proceeding. A light usually lasts less than 45 seconds.

So true! That being said, I only ease out IF I am the first car....If not...I'm hlding back. I don't cherish being T-boned!

[Sampaguita]

Originally Posted by hugepossum

I'm sure this has been asked before, but I am not completely sure of differences in laws between Texas and other areas. Here is an example:

Ahead is an intersection where I will be turning left. The traffic signal is green (not a green arrow, just a green light). There is oncoming traffic, so I *proceed into the intersection and stop*, then either wait for the oncoming traffic to clear or wait for the signal to change before proceeding left. I see this as positioning yourself for the turn, and it ensures that at least one vehicle waiting to turn left will be allowed to proceed on each green light.

I do this all the time. I always have. I was taught this in drivers education in Iowa. Everyone I know waits in the middle of the intersection on left turns, that is, except my wife.

She is adamant that this practice is dangerous and illegal. I would like some backup here, preferably from law enforcement types, but anyone is welcome. Thanks.

I do this as well as long as I'm not going to cause gridlock as I think mom2feebs might be describing.

[cla]

I'm still in shock every time I see someone make a u-turn in an intersection. Back home, that would have netted you a ticket. And I see it here all of the time. I am assuming that it is legal in Texas. Legal or not, it isn't safe and I am teaching my teenage daughter to drive past an intersection and make a u-turn in a median u-turn lane (where there isn't a u-turn before the intersection - which is most everywhere).

but I do pull out to make a left turn (on occasion). The only place I ever do that though is at Walnut Bend and Westheimer - and that is once in a blue moon. Seems most lights I go through have a left turn signal.

[Nairobi]

If you wait out in the intersection, I'm sorry but I HATE YOU. YOU are the reason accidents and holdups are caused.

Sincerely, Responsible Person with a spotless driving record