Oh boy, this one sure struck a cord! 

I received a letter from a viewer about pulling out to the middle of the intersection when turning left on green.   He says he is tired of people waiting behind the stop line instead of pulling out, waiting until traffic clears, and turning left.  He says in California, that’s how they do it.   Clark, the man who wrote me, also pointed out that if people don’t pull out, he honks his horn at them!

 Well the letters came in after that.  Many of you agree it’s annoying when people don’t pull out.  And, many of you disagreed, telling Clark to calm down and chill out or go back to California!

Here’s the deal.   It’s not the safest thing to do when you pull out into the intersection, because if an emergency vehicle is trying to get through, you would be in the way.   BUT, it is NOT ILLEGAL to pull out either.  In fact, if you do, and the light turns red… the entire intersection must yield to you.  

Just remember, you are NOT obligated to pull out.  So Clark, you really shouldn’t honk your horn.

The Metro Police Traffic Sergeant helps break it down.  Here is what he said:

Here are some general rules, you cannot stop and block a crosswalk.  So, if a car in front of you is in the intersection waiting, you must wait behind the stop bar/crosswalk.  Drivers are not obligated to make those left turns, and the drivers behind them need to relax, calm down, and realize that honking your horn might only aggravate the situation.   If a driver stops on the crosswalk, they may receive a citation for Position and Method of Stop.  Also, if someone honks their horn excessively, they may also a citation.  The key here is to leave early enough so you are not rushing, and calm down when you are driving.  This will make our roads much safer.  

One more thing to think about, yellow means slow down and prepare to stop!!  Not speed up and try to beat the light.  The law is clear, you must “Slow down and use Due Care” when entering ANY intersection.  So those drivers that speed up to make the light are commiting a Due Care violation.

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So, bottom line:  If you stop, stop behind the bar or crosswalk.  If you pull out, yield to traffic and only turn when it’s clear.  Don’t honk your horn because drivers are not obligated to pull out and turn left.   It might be safer to stay back, so emergency vehicles can get through the intersection if need be.

I hope this all helps!  Feel free to comment on what you think.