One-way streets Turn left from the left side
On a one-way street, turn left from the far-left lane, close to the left edge. From a one-way street onto a one-way street you may also turn left at a red light: after a full stop, where no sign prohibits it, and after yielding to pedestrians and to traffic that has the green light.
CVC 22100(b) · CVC 21453(a), (b) · CA Driver's Handbook, "Left Turn Against a Red Light" and "Examples of Turns"
How do you turn left from a one-way street in California?
Start from the far-left lane, as close as you can to the left edge of the road (CVC 22100(b)).
Why this rule exists
On a one-way street there is no oncoming traffic, so the left edge is the safe place to turn left from. Turning from farther right would cut across the lanes beside you.
Step by step on the road
- Look for the ONE WAY signs: traffic on that street goes only in the direction of the arrow.
- Check the street you turn into as well. DO NOT ENTER means you may not drive into it from where you are.
- Well before the turn, signal left and move to the far-left lane, close to the left edge.
- Stop where a STOP sign or a signal tells you to, then turn left when it is clear.
- If you see a WRONG WAY sign, you are going the wrong way: stop, and turn around when it is safe.
Common mistakes
- Turning left from the right or middle lane, across the lanes beside you.
- Turning into a street marked DO NOT ENTER.
- Keeping to the right out of habit when the next turn is to the left.
On the DMV drive test
On the DL 32 score sheet every turn is marked for traffic check, signal, lane use and ending in the correct lane. DL 955 asks you to signal at least 100 feet before the turn. Making a turn from the wrong lane is a lane violation, which 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
Can you turn left on red from a one-way street in California?
Only onto another one-way street: after a full stop, where no sign forbids it, and after yielding to pedestrians and close traffic (CVC 21453(b)).
What does a DO NOT ENTER sign mean?
You may not drive into that road from where you are.
What should you do if you see a WRONG WAY sign?
You are going the wrong way. Stop, and turn around when it is safe.
Test yourself
Kees' three questions on this rule, the “Did you know?” facts and his tip come with the drive, in Voorrah! Pro.
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