The ICBC driving guide, “RoadSense for Drivers”, has summarized these provisions as follows: “Most drivers expect other traffic to turn at an intersection. Sometimes you may wish to turn left in the middle of a block, such as into a driveway. While it is safer to plan your route so that you can make a right turn, you may turn left—including turning left over a solid double yellow line—provided you do this carefully and safely and don’t impede other traffic, and there are no signs prohibiting such turns.”
If there is any significant traffic flow, a left turn mid-block is certain to be risky. As one reader points out: “If you’ve ever approached the railway overpass going northbound only to bridge the peak and come upon a sudden stop of vehicles because a driver has decided to make a left, crossing solid-double-yellow lines in order to enter Tim Horton’s [it’s] more than an accident waiting to happen.” Presumably the driver making the left turn, given the road layout would have had no way of being able to conclude that such a maneuver would be careful and safe and not an impediment. And yet it happens all the time. We might conclude that left turns mid-block present one of the most challenging and dangerous maneuvers we face day to day.
The continuing suggestions from readers are greatly appreciated. Please drive safely.