61-8-333. Required position and method of turning at intersections. (1) The operator of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:

(a) Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn must be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

(b) At an intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn must be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line of the roadway and by passing to the right of the center line where it enters the intersection. After entering the intersection, the left turn must be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn must be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.

(c) At an intersection where traffic is restricted to one direction on one or more of the roadways, the operator of a vehicle intending to turn left shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle. After entering the intersection, the left turn must be made so as to leave the intersection, as nearly as practicable, in the left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction upon the roadway being entered.

(d) A person making a turn under subsection (1)(a), (1)(b), or (1)(c) is entitled to the full use of the lane from which the turn may be legally made.

(2) (a) A person operating a bicycle who intends to turn left shall follow the course described in subsection (1) or in subsection (2)(b).

(b) A person operating a bicycle who intends to turn left shall approach the turn as close as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway. After proceeding across the intersecting roadway, the person shall make the turn as close as practicable to the curb or edge of the roadway on the far right side of the intersection. After turning, the person shall yield to through traffic and shall comply with any official traffic control device or police officer regulating traffic on the highway along which the person intends to proceed.

(3) Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may place official traffic control devices within or adjacent to intersections, directing that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection. Where official traffic control devices that direct a different course are placed, the operator of a vehicle may not turn the vehicle other than as directed by the official traffic control devices.

(4) Where a special lane has been indicated by official traffic control devices allowing operators of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions to make left turns:

(a) a left turn may not be made from any other lane; and

(b) a vehicle may not be operated in the lane except when making a left turn from or onto the roadway or when making a U-turn when that movement is permitted by law.

History: En. Sec. 61, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2164; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 450, L. 1983; amd. Secs. 17, 51(2)(a), Ch. 352, L. 2003.