• 1986 - Left Turn at Intersection
  • C-3.20
    • Highways And Roadways
    • Intersections
    • Motor Vehicles
    • Right-of-way
    • Tort Liability
    • Tort Liability
  • The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn left must respect the right-of-way of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close to it as to constitute an immediate hazard.

     

    The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at an intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection must approach the turn in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line of the intersection and pass to the right of the center line where it enters the intersection. After entering the intersection, the left turn must be made so as to exit the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable, the left turn must be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.

     

    [The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at an intersection from a two-lane roadway onto a four-lane roadway must approach the turn with the left wheels of the vehicle nearest the center line of the two-lane roadway. After entering the intersection, the left turn must be made so as to exit the intersection into the inside or passing lane of the four-lane roadway. As soon as traffic conditions will permit, the driver must then move to the right from the passing lane into the right lane, unless continuation in the passing lane is otherwise permitted.]

     

    [Unless a left turn from the right lane of a four-lane roadway is indicated by sign or marker, the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at an intersection from one four-lane roadway onto another four-lane roadway must approach the turn from the inside lane or passing lane. After entering the intersection, the left turn must be made so as to exit the intersection from the inside lane or passing lane. As soon as traffic conditions will permit, the driver must then move from the passing lane to the right lane, unless continuation in the passing lane is otherwise permitted.]

     

    The driver of a vehicle must not turn left at an intersection unless and until the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway, as indicated in the preceding paragraph, and the movement can be made with reasonable safety. Also, before turning left at an intersection, the driver of the vehicle must give an appropriate signal in the manner required by law in the event other traffic may be affected by that movement. The signal must be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred (100) feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.

     

    The signal of intention to turn left must be given by a signal lamp or lamps or by extending the left hand and arm horizontally from the vehicle. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, it is presumed that the Defendant's vehicle was equipped with turn signals of a type required by law.

    • 12.1-17-08
    • 39-10-23
    • 39-10-35
    • 39-10-40
    • 39-21-19
  • Notes: Use the first bracketed paragraph for a vehicle making a left turn in an intersection from a two-lane roadway onto a four-lane roadway. Use the second bracketed paragraph for a vehicle making a left turn in an intersection from one four-lane roadway onto another four-lane roadway.