SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-left-turn-yield

Before turning left, which traffic must you yield to?

Yield to approaching traffic and pedestrians that create a danger.

  1. Close approaching traffic and pedestrians ✔
  2. Only vehicles behind you
  3. Only vehicles turning right

Why: A left turn crosses other paths. Wait for approaching vehicles and pedestrians when they are close enough to make the turn unsafe.

Huh, didn't know that: A green light does not erase your duty to yield while turning left.

The dad joke
Why did the left turn wait? It had good intersection manners.
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References

Answer: Close approaching traffic and pedestrians. A left turn crosses other paths. Wait for approaching vehicles and pedestrians when they are close enough to make the turn unsafe.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Intersections www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road
    Give the right-of-way to any pedestrian or approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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