Home › Textbook › Turning Left: Rules & Examples

Turning Left: Rules & Examples

Turning left is one of the more complex manoeuvres – the driver must signal correctly, position the vehicle, and give way.

Duties when turning left:

1. Signal – indicate in time relative to traffic behind you 2. Position – move as close as possible to the left edge of your lane (two-way road) or left edge of the road (one-way) 3. Give way to oncoming traffic, trams from both directions, cyclists and pedestrians 4. When two vehicles from opposite directions both turn left: pass each other on the left (left side to left side)

Hand signals if indicators not working:

• Turning left: extend left arm horizontally
• Turning right: extend left arm upward at 90°

Explanation

When turning left, give way to:

Entering and waiting in the intersection

Generally may not enter if you'd have to stop inside. Exception: may wait inside when turning left and giving way to oncoming traffic.

Relevant signs and signals

• C2c: Mandatory direction – left only
• C2e: Mandatory direction – straight or left
• A1b: Warning – curve to the left ahead
• S2c (green arrow left): May turn left without giving way to oncoming traffic
• S6 (signal for leaving intersection): If visible at opposite corner, no need to yield when turning left

Summary

• Signal in time, position left, give way to oncoming and trams
• Trams: right of way from both directions (including behind you)
• Two vehicles turning left: pass each other on the left
• Green arrow left: no need to give way to oncoming traffic
• Cannot stop inside intersection (exception: waiting for oncoming when turning left)

What the law says

Verbatim text of Act No. 361/2000 Coll., on road traffic, as in force on 1 January 2026. Quoted in Czech — the Czech wording is the binding one.

Check what you remember

Five questions from the official bank. The answer appears only after you choose — try to recall it first, that is what makes learning stick.

1. Question 1 of 5

   This traffic sign warns of:

   
   A curve (directional arc) to the left, the safe negotiation of which requires a significant reduction in speed.A right-hand bend, the safe navigation of which requires a significant reduction in speed.The direction of a ring road established for bypassing a town or part of it.

2. Question 2 of 5

   What does this traffic sign tell you?

   
   Warns of a left turn (curved bend) that requires a significant reduction in speed for safe passage.Orders travel to the left immediately before the sign.Warns of a bend (curved road) to the right, which requires a significant reduction in speed for safe passage.

3. Question 3 of 5

   In the depicted situation, you are the driver of the vehicle from the viewpoint. How will you behave?

   
   I will give way to the vehicle approaching from the right.I will pass through the junction first.I must turn right.

4. Question 4 of 5

   On a dual carriageway:

   Stopping and parking is prohibited except in places marked as car parks.Stopping and parking is prohibited, except on the verge where parking is permitted.Parking is prohibited except in places marked as car parks; stopping on the verge is possible even outside designated car parks.

5. Question 5 of 5

   If operational or other serious reasons require that passengers alighting from a public transport vehicle outside a stop or boarding it outside a stop must enter the carriageway:

   The carrier is obliged to notify the police or the municipal police immediately.The carrier is authorised to stop other vehicles.A passenger from the public transport vehicle over 18 years of age is authorised to stop other vehicles.