Two-way left-turn lane: what it means
A two-way left-turn lane is a center lane that drivers from both directions use to turn left. Each side has a solid yellow line outside and a broken yellow line inside.
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What it means
MUTCD Section 3B.05: the lane is marked on each side by a broken yellow line and a solid yellow line, with the broken line toward the turn lane and the solid line toward the traffic lanes. White two-way left-turn arrows should be used at or just past its start.
Because drivers from both directions share it, an oncoming driver may be using the same lane to turn left.
Where you see it
In the middle of streets, between the two directions of traffic.
A common mistake
Using it as a passing lane or driving a long way in it. It is for left turns; how far you may travel in it is set by state law, so check your state’s driver handbook.
Quick quiz
On each side of a two-way left-turn lane, which yellow line faces the turn lane?
- The broken line
- The solid line
- Neither line
Show answer
A. The broken line. Section 3B.05: the broken line is placed toward the two-way left-turn lane. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 3, Markings: Section 3B.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Compare with
Yellow center linesYellow lines separate opposite directions.
White lane linesWhite lines separate lanes going the same way.
Divided highway signA median will split the two directions.
Next in pavement markings: Stop lines and crosswalks. See all pavement markings or the full road signs list.
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Sources
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 3, Markings: Section 3B.05, FHWA
- MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025
Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.