Left turn on green Yield to oncoming traffic
Turning left on a green light, yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard: wait until it is clear. While you wait, keep your wheels pointed straight ahead. A green arrow means your turn is protected: the oncoming traffic has a red light.
CVC 21801(a) · CA Driver's Handbook, "Traffic Signals" and "Left Turns" · DMV DL 955
Who has the right-of-way when you turn left on a green light?
Oncoming traffic. Turning left, yield to all oncoming vehicles close enough to be a hazard (CVC 21801(a)). Only a green arrow makes your turn protected.
Why this rule exists
Oncoming cars are often closer and faster than they look. With your wheels straight, a crash from behind pushes you forward, not into the oncoming lane.
Step by step on the road
- Signal left in good time, at least 100 feet before the turn.
- If traffic is coming toward you, wait at the line with your wheels pointed straight ahead.
- Let oncoming cars that are close enough to be a hazard go first, whether they go straight or turn right.
- Start turning only when the gap is clear all the way across.
- On a green arrow the oncoming traffic has a red light: turn, but still yield to anyone left in the intersection.
Common mistakes
- Turning the wheels to the left while you wait.
- Turning in front of an oncoming car because you got there first.
- Treating a green ball like a green arrow.
On the DMV drive test
On a left turn the DL 32 sheet marks the approach, the stop and the turn. DL 955 wants the wheels pointed straight ahead while you are stopped (for left turns only), a yield to oncoming traffic, and the turn ended in the proper lane. Enter a designated left-turn lane at its opening and use the left-most part of the lane. Any action that makes another driver take evasive action is a critical driving error.
Based on the DMV’s Driving Test Criteria (DL 955) and its score sheet (DL 32). How the drive test works ›Questions people ask
Why keep your wheels straight while you wait to turn left?
If someone hits you from behind, wheels turned to the left could push you into oncoming traffic (Handbook, "Left Turns").
What does LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN mean?
The sign (R10-12) reminds you that a green ball does not give you the right-of-way for a left turn: yield to oncoming traffic first.
What does a green left-turn arrow mean?
A protected turn: the oncoming traffic is stopped by a red light. Still yield to anyone left in the intersection.
Test yourself
Kees' three questions on this rule, the “Did you know?” facts and his tip come with the drive, in Voorrah! Pro.
Get Voorrah! Pro ▸