Sharing the road
You are waiting to turn left across light rail tracks. Which of these is correct?
- Check for an approaching light rail vehicle and finish the turn only when the signal lets you proceed. Correct answer
- Turn ahead of the light rail vehicle if you are sure you can clear the tracks before it arrives.
- Go when you are ready, since light rail vehicles have to yield to turning traffic.
Why
On public roads a light rail vehicle has the same rights and duties as any other vehicle, so it owes you no gap. Before turning across the tracks, look for one coming, and complete the turn only when the traffic light says you may go. The handbook tells you plainly never to cut across ahead of a light rail vehicle that is coming, which rules out betting that you can clear the tracks in time. Keep in mind that these vehicles can interrupt the traffic lights. Buildings and trees can also leave the operator with blind spots, so do not assume you have been seen.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is Check for an approaching light rail vehicle and finish the turn only when the signal lets you proceed.
The rule behind this one
Sharing the road in California goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on sharing the road
- You come up behind a road maintenance vehicle with an orange and red triangle on its back. What does the triangle tell you?
- You ride a bicycle after dark. From how far away must your rear red reflector or red light be visible?
- Ahead of you, a rider on horseback is moving cattle along a rural road. What does the handbook tell you to do?
- On a one-way street, a bicyclist is riding near the left curb. Is that allowed?