Never Make Left Turn on Red Arrow

Dear Traffic Talk:

Several years ago in traffic school, I asked the teacher if the left arrow light is there to protect and ensure one’s ability to make a left turn. If so, I asked, is it permissible to make a left turn once the left turn arrow turns red, even though the green light is still on for the rest of the traffic?

He told me that unless there was a “Left Turn on Signal Only” sign, it was permissible to make a left turn on a red arrow, as long as the green forward light was still on.

Is this true?

Gary Hollis, Valley Glen

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Dear Gary:

It looks as if your traffic school teacher needs to brush up on his road rules.

No, you may not turn left on a red arrow under any circumstances, even if the green light is on for the rest of the traffic, according to Officer Lou Aviles, spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.

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Dear Traffic Talk:

I read in your column that the flashing red lights and stop sign on a school bus must be treated like a red light when you are behind the bus. Does the same rule apply when you are coming from the opposite direction toward the bus? Must you stop and wait, even if the children are not crossing the street?

Dane Moore, North Hills

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Dear Dane:

If there are no painted or concrete dividers on the road, then you must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights--even if you are coming from the opposite direction and there are no children around, according to Aviles.

If the school bus stops along a main street with concrete dividers or painted lanes, then you may proceed as usual, Aviles said.

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Dear Traffic Talk:

Is it legal for a vehicle in the carpool lane to cross over the double yellow line at any time to enter or exit? Many vehicles seem to do this during rush hour.

Anthony Gandarilla, Palmdale

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Dear Anthony:

It is not legal any time for a car to enter or exit the carpool lane by crossing over a double yellow line, Aviles said. The only time you may enter the carpool lane is through the broken white lines.

Traffic Talk appears Fridays in The Times Valley Edition. Readers may submit comments and questions about traffic in the Valley to Traffic Talk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited, and no anonymous letters will be accepted. Fax letters to (818) 772-3385. E-mail questions to valley.news@latimes.com.