4.5 Turning Regulations, Lane Positioning & Turning Around
Key Takeaways
- State law requires a motorist to move into the proper lane and signal at least 100 feet before making any turn, and to cancel the signal after the turn is complete (N.J.S.A. 39:4-126).
- For a right turn, approach as far to the right as possible near the curb or parked vehicles, and never swing outward or into another lane while turning (N.J.S.A. 39:4-123).
- When two vehicles meet at an intersection and both have signaled a left turn, each motorist should turn to the left of the centre of the intersection when it is safe.
- A left turn from a two-way road onto a two-way road is approached as close as possible to the line nearest the centre of the road, and the driver must keep to the right of the centre line of the road being entered.
- Every new motorist must perform a 3-point (K) turn on the road test, starting from the right edge of the road at a spot with good visibility in both directions.
4.5 Turning Regulations, Lane Positioning & Turning Around
Quick Answer: Move into the proper lane and signal at least 100 feet before any turn, then cancel the signal afterward (N.J.S.A. 39:4-126). Turn right from as far right as possible, close to the curb, without swinging out. Turn left from as close as possible to the centre line, keeping to the right of the centre line of the road you enter. Never back up for a missed turn — take the next one. Every new motorist must perform a 3-point (K) turn on the road test.
The Pre-Turn Routine
Last-minute turns are unsafe, and the manual is blunt about it: decide well in advance where you want to turn. The faster traffic is moving, the sooner you should plan. Before every turn:
- Use the mirrors to look behind and to both sides for other vehicles or people.
- Check for less visible vehicles — motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds.
- Signal first, using turn signals or hand signals, then move into the proper lane.
- Slow down before reaching the intersection.
- Keep a steady speed and follow the pavement markings.
- Stay in the same lane until the turn is finished.
- Turn the signal off after the turn is complete.
If you miss a turn, never back up. It is better to take the next turn than to risk a crash.
The 100-foot rule. N.J.S.A. 39:4-126 requires a continuous signal for at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. At 30 mph, 100 feet is a little over two seconds — start earlier than feels natural.
Right Turns (N.J.S.A. 39:4-123)
Approach the intersection as far to the right as possible, keeping near the curb or the parked vehicles at the curb. Do not swing outward or into another lane while making the turn.
Proper positioning before the turn is not just tidy driving — it physically removes the space on your right that a cyclist, moped, or car might otherwise occupy as you turn across it. This is the passenger-car mirror image of the truck "right-turn squeeze," and it is why the manual repeats the instruction twice in the same paragraph.
Right turn on red is permitted after a full stop unless a No Turn on Red sign is posted (N.J.S.A. 39:4-115). Yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Watch specifically for bicycles and mopeds, which are difficult to see and may have a green light.
The Five Left-Turn Configurations
New Jersey's manual breaks left turns into five named cases. Learn them as a set — exam questions describe the road geometry and expect the matching rule.
| Configuration | Rule |
|---|---|
| Two vehicles meeting, both turning left | Apply extra caution. When safe, each motorist turns to the left of the centre of the intersection (turning in front of each other, not around each other). |
| One-way road onto a one-way road | Approach in the left lane and turn into the left lane of the road you are entering. |
| Two-way road onto a two-way road | Approach as close as possible to the line nearest the centre of the road. Do not cross lane markings while turning, and keep to the right of the centre line of the road you enter. |
| Between intersections | Solid lines show where not to pass, but they may be crossed with care when entering or leaving driveways in business or residential areas. |
| Two-way road onto a four-lane highway | Approach as close to the centre line on the right side of the road as possible and make the turn before reaching the centre of the intersection. Turn into the lane nearest the centre line — which is the passing lane — then move right, out of the passing lane, as soon as traffic permits. |
Two errors show up in every one of these cases: turning wide (ending up in the wrong lane of the road you enter) and cutting the corner (crossing into oncoming traffic before you reach the intersection's centre). Both are scored on the road test.
Angle Parking
Angle parking appears in shopping-centre lots and at some curbs, and its danger is entirely in the exit.
Entering a space on your right:
- Watch for traffic ahead and behind.
- Signal and begin to slow down.
- Make sure the rear of your vehicle will clear the parked vehicles.
- Steer sharply into the space, then straighten the wheels to centre the vehicle.
- Shift to park (or reverse with a manual transmission) and set the parking brake.
Backing out of a space:
- Walk around the vehicle first to make sure nothing is in the way.
- Move slowly in reverse and be sure the lane is clear.
- Tap the horn to warn nearby pedestrians.
- When you can see past the tops of the vehicles beside you, stop and look again.
- Look back and to each side. Remember that the front of the vehicle swings opposite to the direction of the turn.
- Back up slowly while turning until your left front wheel passes the rear bumper of the vehicle parked on your left, then straighten as you re-enter the traffic lane.
The 3-Point (K) Turn
Every new motorist is required to make this turn during the MVC road test. Choose a safe spot with good visibility in both directions, and start from the right edge of the road.
- Signal left and move forward slowly while turning the steering wheel to the left. Stop several inches from the left curb or street edge.
- Back up slowly while turning the steering wheel to the right. Stop several inches from the right curb or street edge.
- Move the vehicle forward while turning the steering wheel to the left.
- Straighten the wheels as the vehicle faces the direction you want to go.
Two habits keep this manoeuvre safe: use two hands on the wheel whenever you steer in reverse, and remember that the front of the vehicle swings opposite to the direction of the turn — the nose sweeps toward the far curb while the tail comes around.
Key Exam Traps & Common Misconceptions
- Trap 1: 100 feet, before any turn. The rule covers lane changes as well, and the signal must be cancelled afterward.
- Trap 2: Two left-turners pass in front of each other. Each turns to the left of the centre of the intersection — not around behind one another.
- Trap 3: The four-lane highway left turn. You enter the passing lane by design, then must move right as soon as traffic permits.
- Trap 4: Missed your turn? Never back up — go to the next turn.
How far in advance does New Jersey law require a motorist to signal before making a turn or changing lanes?
Two vehicles approaching each other from opposite directions have both signaled a left turn at the same intersection. How should each driver complete the turn?
When making a left turn from a two-way road onto a four-lane highway, which lane must the driver enter?
From what position on the roadway should a driver begin a 3-point (K) turn?