§ 54-200. Required position and method of turning.

(a)

Right turns. Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except as provided in subsection (d). Whenever the driver of a truck or other vehicle larger in size than a passenger car shall require a greater distance from the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway than is necessary for a passenger car to make such turn, it shall be the duty of the driver or operator of such vehicle to determine that there are no other vehicles or conveyances to the right while such driver or operator is making such turn, or no vehicles or conveyances approaching so close to the right from the rear so as to constitute a hazard if such turn is completed, but this shall not relieve any person attempting to pass on the right from the requirements and obligations of having the vehicle under control and to drive in a careful and prudent manner.

(b)

Left turns from two-way roadways. The driver of a vehicle approaching any intersection on a roadway where traffic is permitted to move in both directions, shall, before making a left turn threat, approach the intersection by moving the vehicle to that portion of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and by passing to the right of such center line where it enters the intersection and after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered, except that when the roadway being entered is a one-way roadway such turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in any lane lawfully available to traffic upon the one-way roadway which can be reached in safety by the driver without interfering with, or impeding or endangering other traffic. Whenever practicable, a driver stopping the vehicle to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic before completing a left turn, shall make a stop within the intersection, past the curb line of the intersecting street which the driver is turning into.

(c)

Left turns off one-way roadway. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), it shall be unlawful for the driver of a vehicle on any one-way roadway or street to make or attempt to make a left turn therefrom, unless such driver first moves the vehicle to the lane as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway or street, and occupies such lane for a minimum distance of one hundred (100) feet prior to reaching the point of turning, and thereupon makes the left turn from such lane; such turn shall be completed so as to enter the roadway, driveway, alley or other area being entered, in a lane or portion thereof lawfully available to the driver of the vehicle. For purposes of this section, where the area being entered is another roadway, the lane lawfully available to the driver of the vehicle shall be any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of the vehicle which can be reached in safety by the driver without interfering with, or impeding or endangering other traffic. Whenever the driver of a truck or other vehicle larger in size than a passenger car shall require a greater distance from the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway than is necessary for a passenger car to make such a turn, it shall be the duty of the driver of such vehicle to determine that there are no other vehicles or conveyances to the left when the driver is making such turn, or no vehicles or conveyances approaching so close to the left from the rear so as to constitute a hazard if such turn is completed, but this shall not relieve any person attempting to pass on the left from the requirements and obligations of having the vehicle under control and to drive in a careful and prudent manner.

(d)

Multiple turns. At any intersection designated and where authorized signs are erected and posted giving notice thereof, turns may be made in the direction indicated by such signs from more than one (1) lane of traffic as indicated by such signs. It shall be unlawful to make or attempt to make any turn from any lane not so designated. When any turn is so made the driver of the vehicle making the turn shall keep sufficient distance between the vehicle and another vehicle turning in the same direction so as to avoid a collision, and no such turn shall be made regardless of the posted signs permitting the same unless it can be made with safety. The driver making or intending to make such turns shall give the appropriate signal as is required under this chapter.

(Code 1950, § 513.1)

State law reference

Similar provisions, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-801.