Q: When we have three lanes of traffic and the center lane is for turning left, is it legal to pull into that center lane and wait to merge into traffic? — Rich
Michigan State Police Lt. David Cope
A: Hi Rich. Personally, this is one of my biggest pet peeves.
Just recently I was driving my personal vehicle on a five-lane roadway (two travel lanes in both directions and a center turn lane) and was approaching the entrance of the business. Just as I was slowing down and entering the center turn lane preparing to make my left turn, another vehicle had made a left turn, leaving a different business further down the road from me, and entered the center turn lane because there was too much traffic to safely merge. This vehicle then began to accelerate and use the turn lane as a merge lane while looking over their shoulder for a spot to merge into traffic. In the meantime, I came to a stop in the center turn lane, waiting for traffic to clear before completing my left turn.
This vehicle is now coming right at me, head-on, while the driver is looking over their shoulder to merge. I lay on my horn and thankfully this driver looks forward and sees me stopped and slams on their brakes to avoid a crash. Then, this driver throws their arms in the air with the “What the heck are you doing?” pose, like it is my fault we almost had a head-on crash, then angrily merges into traffic once there was an opening and continues on their way while I give my best — we’ll call it “disappointed” — look their way.
To answer your question, no, it is illegal to use the center turn lane as a merge lane and my recent close call is just one example of why it is dangerous and how crashes can happen. The center turn lane is just that, a turn lane, and those who use it as merge lane may be issued a civil infraction.
Q: My wife and I disagree whether we are supposed to stop at the end of our driveway before pulling out onto the county road we live on. There are no trees or anything blocking our view and you can see in both directions for about a mile. Is it ok to pull out without stopping if no traffic is coming? — Mitchell
A: Oh boy, I’m sure you are eagerly awaiting the answer to this so you can either say, “See, I told you so!” or, “You were right, honey.”
For your sake, Mitchell, I hope it’s the former.
Here’s the answer, directly from section 257.652 of the Michigan Vehicle Code: “The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from an alley, private road, or driveway shall come to a full stop before entering the highway and shall yield right of way to vehicles approaching on the highway.”
So, you are required to come to a complete stop, even when leaving a private driveway, or you may face a civil infraction. Even if you see no traffic coming, it’s always going to be safest to stop and be 100% sure.
Thank you for the questions, keep them coming!
Lt. David Cope is a public information officer for the Michigan State Police 6th District. He can be contacted with traffic and law enforcement-related questions at AskLtCope@gmail.com
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ASK A TROOPER: Can the center lane be used for waiting to merge? - Greenville Daily News
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