Turning left at an intersection

Imagine you’re sitting at an intersection with your signal on, waiting to turn left. Oncoming traffic continues, and pedestrians are crossing. The light turns green, but you’re still not sure that it’s safe to turn. Turning left at an intersection is one of the most challenging and risky manoeuvres all Canadian drivers face. According to the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals, intersections make up 28% of traffic fatalities and 42% of serious injuries in Canada.

That’s why knowing how to make a safe left turn isn’t just a driving skill; it’s imperative to preventing collisions, protecting other road users, and keeping your car insurance rates low. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to turn left safely, go over Canadian rules, how to avoid common mistakes, and how left turns can impact your insurance rates.

Why left lane turns require extra care

Making left turns is difficult because you’re crossing into oncoming traffic, watching for pedestrians crossing, checking for cyclists, and navigating multiple lanes at the same time. This combination alone can substantially increase your chances of being in a collision.

Research indicates that approximately 22.2% of all collisions involve making a left turn. And when pedestrians are involved, left-hand turn collisions are especially dangerous. In fact, CARSP reports that pedestrian collisions are almost four times more likely to cause serious injuries compared to right-hand turns.

At the same time, Canada’s unpredictable weather conditions throughout the year can add another layer of difficulty for motorists. From rain and snow to hail and sleet, these conditions contribute to 18.7% of all collisions in Canada. With reduced visibility, longer stopping distances, pedestrians, and cyclists, making left turns requires your full attention and right timing.

Left turn rules and variations in Canada

Because traffic regulations are provincially regulated, the rules around making left turns can vary between provinces. In general, all drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing before making left turns.

At an intersection with traffic lights, an advanced green arrow allows you to make a left turn without yielding. However, if there is no green arrow, you will need to wait for a clear gap in traffic to turn safely. You may notice “yield on green” road signs in your area. These mean you can proceed with a green light, but you must give the right of way to approaching traffic before making your left turn. Let's take a look:

Left turn on a red light

In some provinces, such as British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta, you can turn left on a red light, as long as you’re turning left on a one-way street, come to a complete stop, and yield to pedestrians and other cars before you complete your turn. In Quebec, however, this action is prohibited.

Intersection entry

Variations between provinces also exist for intersection entry. For example, in Ontario and British Columbia, regulations encourage drivers to remain in the left lane behind the line and avoid entering an intersection until it is clear. In contrast, some rural, uncontrolled intersections that lack traffic lights, stop signs, or other signs rely on the judgment of drivers when making left turns in Alberta.

Emergency vehicles have the right of way

In all provinces, drivers must yield to emergency vehicles before they complete the turn.

Step-by-step: Making a left turn with traffic lights

Turning left where there’s a stop sign or no traffic lights may seem less challenging than at an intersection with traffic lights, but don’t let it fool you. Without helpful things like a designated left lane or left turn signal, it’s up to you and you alone to decide when it’s safe to make the turn. Here’s how you can safely complete a left turn:

1. Ease off the gas

When you see you’re coming up to an intersection and the light is green where you’ll need to turn left, start slowing down early. This isn’t just about safety; it gives you more time to look around, see what other cars and pedestrians are doing, and decide when it’s your turn to go.

2. Turn on your left turn signal

Switch on your left turn signal. A good rule is to turn on your turn signal 30 metres or half a block before your turn when travelling at lower speeds and 150 metres (more than a football field) when driving at higher speeds. If available, make your way into the designated left turn lane.

3. Stop and look around

Now’s the time to really look – left, right, and left again – to make sure there are no cars, motorcycles, cyclists, or people walking that you need to wait for that are in your blind spot.

4. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

If oncoming traffic or pedestrians are crossing, you need to wait. Cars going straight through the intersection or turning right have priority over you turning left. Sometimes, there may be traffic coming from the opposite direction, which is also turning right, and you’re turning left. While they should be turning into the right lane, closest to the curb, make sure they’re not turning into the left lane you plan to use.

6. Watch for a gap in oncoming traffic

This part can feel a bit tricky at first, but you’re looking for a break in traffic that’s big enough for you to turn safely. You don’t want to make anyone have to slam on their brakes or swerve because of you. Sometimes, this means waiting a bit longer, but that’s okay. Safety first.

7. Turn when safe

When you’ve made sure there’s enough space and it’s safe, go ahead and make your turn by turning your steering wheel to the left. Aim to turn into the lane nearest to the centre of the road you’re entering. Try to keep your turn smooth and avoid cutting corners too close or swinging too wide.

8. Complete your turn

After you’ve turned, you might need to adjust your speed to fit in with the traffic on the new road. And remember to turn off your signal.

Turn at stop signs & unmarked intersections

Turning in an unmarked or uncontrolled intersection can feel a bit trickier than with a traffic light. Without a green arrow or a separate left turn lane, the responsibility falls on the driver to judge whether it’s safe or not to turn. Here's what to do:

1. Ease on the gas: As you approach the stop sign or unmarked intersection, start to slow down gradually. This will give you enough time to observe traffic coming toward you, pedestrians, and other road conditions without braking abruptly.

2. Come to a complete stop: Stop fully at the line or where you have a clear view of other drivers.

3. Signal your intent: Turn on your left turn signal to let other vehicles know that you intend to turn left.

4. Scan all directions: Look left, right, and ahead. Check the traffic coming toward you and make sure to check your blind spots.

5. Judge the gap: Wait for a safe opening. Misjudging a gap while entering traffic can lead to collisions. Once clear, move slowly into the intersection while continuing to scan your surroundings.

6. Complete your turn safely: Turn smoothly into the appropriate lane, avoid cutting corners, and adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic.

Common mistakes & high-risk scenarios

Some of the most common mistakes and high-risk scenarios that can lead to collisions are:

1. Forgetting to signal: Not using your signal is a common error that can lead to dangerous mistakes. Always give yourself enough room to alter others of your intentions.

2. Failing to check traffic in all directions: Look in all directions for oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and blind spots. These are easy to miss, especially at night or in the winter months when visibility is reduced.

3. Misjudging gaps in traffic: Rushing into oncoming traffic or underestimating speed is a major cause of collisions. Take your time and be patient. Wait for the right gap before making your turn.

4. Cutting corners or going wide: Entering the wrong lane or swinging wide into the proper lane can also cause collisions with other cars. Keep your turn smooth and aim for the lane closest to the center of the road.

5. Ignoring weather and road conditions: Poor weather conditions increase your stopping distances and reduce traction. Be cautious of the weather and plan your trips accordingly.

Left turns & insurance: Why it matters

Having car insurance is essential when making left turns, not just because it’s the law but also because turning left can be risky and sometimes leads to accidents. When you turn left, you have to cross in front of cars coming towards you, which means there’s a bigger chance of crashing if something goes wrong. If you do get into an accident while turning left, collision coverage helps pay for the damage to your car, and liability insurance helps pay for the other person’s car, as well as any medical bills if people get hurt.

Should you get into an accident while turning left, it could increase your insurance, but having accident forgiveness coverage on your insurance policy can help prevent that for your first accident. Plus, without insurance, you’d have to pay for all of that out of your own pocket, which could cost a lot. Make sure to review your policies regularly to ensure your coverage reflects your driving habits and risk exposure.

Fault determination rules

In Canada, left-turn collisions are often considered at-fault accidents because you’re crossing into oncoming vehicles. Fault determines how your insurance company covers damages and can affect your premiums. For example, Ontario’s Fault Determination Rules outline that left turn accidents typically assign fault to the turning motorist.

Contact BrokerLink today

Making left turns is challenging, but by understanding the rules and practicing good habits like judging gaps carefully and checking for pedestrians and cyclists, you can reduce your collision risk, protecting yourself and others. Check your insurance policy to confirm you have the right coverage in the event you get into a left lane collision with BrokerLink. Contact us today.

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FAQs on turning left at an intersection

Can I turn left on a red light in Canada?

No. Left turns on a red light are illegal unless you are turning onto a one-way street in some provinces.

What does “Yield on Green” mean for a left turn?

You can turn left when the light is green, but you need to yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before.

Which lane should I enter after a left turn on a multi-lane road?

Enter the closest lane to the centre line or median of the road.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.