Answer: Yes, you are correct. A driver must turn into the closest lane initially. That is what we are taught, but as to what you are witnessing, many people just don’t understand this for some reason. There are of course, some exceptions to this and I would not have enough space to list every example. But for most of the circumstances, “turn into the closest lane” for roadways with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. If you fail to do so, you could be violating the “illegal or an unsafe change of course” statute.

When you turn out immediately into that far lane, you are risking a crash. You are possibly preventing someone from making a turn into that lane as well. You should be turning into the closest lane, then signaling and moving over into the farther lane when it is safe and clear to do so. Turning from the proper lane to the proper lane can, in some cases, also apply to turn lanes. Another part of the problem seems to be that a lot of drivers are not signaling their turns in advance, (if at all). This requires every driver to be paying attention at all times.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (Or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us)