Two-way left-turn lane

How to read it

The MUTCD marks each side of the lane with a broken yellow line and a solid yellow line, the broken line toward the two-way left-turn lane and the solid line toward the through lane, to show a lane that traffic in either direction can use as part of a left turn. White two-way left-turn arrows should be marked at or just past its start, and a one-way arrow is not allowed in it. The Manual calls for signs with the markings and says the lane should not extend into intersections, where it may become an ordinary left-turn lane. Pennsylvania's manual explains the pattern: the outside solid line means the lane is not for passing, and the inside broken and solid lines mean traffic in either direction may use it to turn left.

Also searched as: center turn lane, middle turning lane, two way left turn lane.

What the state manuals allow in the lane

California's handbook allows it to be used to prepare for and make a left turn or a U-turn, entered within 200 feet of the turn, and allows no more than 200 feet of driving in it. Oregon's manual says traveling in it is illegal, so it is entered just before the turn. Michigan's manual calls using it to pass or as a merge lane illegal. Florida's handbook says it is not used for passing.

This describes the national standard and the named states' manuals. It isn't legal advice: the law of the state where the road is decides.

Look-alikes

A single solid and broken yellow pair down the centre controls passing; the two-way left-turn lane has a pair on each side of a whole lane. A lane bordered by double broken yellow lines is a reversible lane, whose direction changes at set times.