Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | June 17, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you have driven on busy roads in New York, you have probably noticed a center lane marked with solid and dashed yellow lines. This is known as a two-way left-turn lane, and it is designed to help drivers safely make left-hand turns. But it is also commonly one of the most misused and misunderstood parts of the road. Here is what you need to know about how to use the center lane correctly and what your rights are if due to someone else’s negligence you end up in a car accident.
What Does New York Law Say About Using the Center Lane for Left Turns?
The center lane may only be used for a left turn or overtaking other vehicles in certain situations, according to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1128(b). Using the center lane for anything else, like driving through an intersection or passing slow-moving traffic, violates New York traffic law.
Failing to follow these rules can lead to traffic citations and, in the event of a crash, could be used as evidence of negligence.
How Should I Use the Center Lane for Left Turns in New York?
It is recommended that you follow these steps if you are preparing for a left-hand turn using the center lane:
- Signal early: New York law requires drivers to signal at least 100 feet before turning. This helps alert other drivers and prevent rear-end crashes.
- Enter with caution: Move into the center lane only when it’s safe to do so. Yield to any oncoming traffic and never assume another driver will stop to let you go.
- Complete the turn safely: Complete your turn quickly but cautiously once a safe gap appears. Avoid wide turns that cross over multiple lanes or cut across oncoming traffic.
Following these tips can help you make a left-hand turn from the center lane safely and reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.
What Are Common Misuses of the Center Lane in New York?
Drivers often misuse the center lane in ways that increase the risk of accidents.
Some of the most frequent violations include:
- Driving straight through the lane instead of using it only for left turns
- Using it as a merging lane to join traffic or gain speed
- Passing vehicles inappropriately
- Stopping in the lane unnecessarily or waiting too long
Each of these mistakes can result in tickets, accidents, or both. Because it is a shared space where drivers from both directions may enter simultaneously, the risk of serious accidents, including head-on collisions, is high.
Do You Have to Turn into the Closest Lane When Turning Left?
Yes. When making a left turn, you should turn into the nearest available lane traveling in your intended direction. This helps prevent sideswipe and broadside collisions, especially on multi-lane roads.
Failing to turn into the correct lane may be considered a traffic violation in New York.
If an accident occurs as a result, it could affect fault and your ability to recover compensation.
How Is Fault Determined in a Crash?
It is important to determine who was at fault for an accident involving a left-hand turn from the center lane in New York. Drivers who misuse the lane may be found negligent. Violation of traffic laws can be used as strong evidence in a personal injury claim if it directly contributes to an accident.
If you were involved in a center lane crash, gather the following evidence if possible:
- Photos of road markings and damage
- Statements from witnesses
- Dashcam or security footage
- Police accident reports
- Proof of signaling
This evidence could help a lawyer build a strong case for compensation on your behalf, especially if the other driver violated New York traffic laws or failed to yield.
Reach Out to Us for Guidance
Accidents involving center turn lanes can be confusing and serious, especially when another driver’s negligence is to blame. If you were hurt in one of these collisions, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Contact our New York car accident lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in New York City at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers For More Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City car accident lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We also serve in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332
