Is it legal to use a turn lane to complete a left turn into traffic?

[janyd]

I am constantly irked by drivers that pull INTO the left turn lane (from a parking lot, for example), then slowly accelerate to merge right into traffic. My feeling is that the purpose of the left turn lane is to exit the road, not enter it. It seems that drivers using the lane incorrectly could present a danger to drivers trying to enter the lane from the other direction. I asked a former police chief about it, and he hedged a bit, saying "You're not supposed to do it..." and then indicated that police usually don't bother you about it unless you've done something else illegal as well. I've skimmed through a driver's handbook produced by the North Carolina DMV, but I couldn't find anything. So I ask you, my fellow commuters...is this legal or not? If it's illegal, is that nationwide or is it decided on a state-by-state basis? If you can provide a link or cite a specific law, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[rheged]

The legality is strictly state by state. In VA, just north of you buddy:), it is legal to use the left turn lane to merge into traffic. However, this can cause to be hazardous because many drivers don't know it's legal. Just make a habit to double check when you're planning on turning, just in case. Sorry, don't know about NC state law. If there's nothing specifically adressed, it's probably at the judgment of the officer on whether it is posing a danger to other motorists.

[shashank]

It has been several years since I drove in NC, but here in the Midwest, the center turn lane is for purpose of slowing down to make the turn, and to speed up for the purpose of merging with moving traffic. Personally I fully agree with this, as trying to jump straight into the traffic lane has been shown to cause more accidents. Now slowly accelerating can be irksome, while a simple swift acceleration is preferable, but not all drivers have the skill and mindset to pull this off properly. As for your last question on nationwide or state by state, each state defines and puts out the driving manual for that state, hence, there are some differences, but basically all the same. In this state here, it is illegal to make a left turn at an arrow controlled left turn light when its red, but another state close by, it is permissible to make that turn after coming to a complete stop.