Question: I took drivers’ education in the 1960s, and we were taught that when making a left turn at an intersection with a light, you’re supposed to pull out into the intersection, hold your position and, when it’s clear, make the turn.
I was talking to a friend of mine lately and told him how frustrated I get watching people just sit there at the stop line waiting while the light turns red.
He told me I’m the one that’s wrong. Pulling forward is illegal, he said.
Could this be true? I do it all the time.
What’s the answer on this? If the law changed, I must have missed it. – Galen Cobb, Tacoma
Answer: What they taught you in the 1960s is still true.
According to the Washington State Patrol, it’s completely legal to pull out into the intersection and wait for a clearing to turn left. You don’t have to wait at the stop line.
“If you have a green light, go ahead and get your position in the intersection,” said State Patrol spokesman trooper Guy Gill.
You can take your left when it’s safe, Gill said, even as the light turns from yellow to red.
But Gill advises extreme caution.
“Never assume that the oncoming traffic is going to stop,” he said. “There’s always a chance of that guy that’s pushing the limit on the yellow light.”
“I’ve seen it a million times, and I’ve stopped hundreds of people for it,” Gill said. “Never assume anything.”
Rob Carson: 253-597-8693
rob.carson@thenewstribune.com
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.