California · Right-of-Way
You are turning left at a California intersection with a steady green light and no arrow. Who must yield?
- You must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk
- Pedestrians must yield to you
- The lower-numbered street yields
- Oncoming traffic must yield to you
Correct answer
You must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk
Why this is correct
Under CVC §21801, left-turning California drivers on a permissive green must yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians in the crosswalk. Pull forward into the intersection to position yourself, then complete the turn on a gap or when the light changes. Never turn across unseen oncoming traffic.
California Driver Handbook, p. 66