A 3-minute lesson from the Wisconsin course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Some lanes have special jobs. A shared center lane is only for turning left, from either direction. Reversible lanes change direction by time of day, with lights overhead telling you which lanes are open.
Special lanes
Exclusive lanes you'll drive in around Wisconsin, such as shared center, reversible, reserved and flex lanes.
A center lane only for vehicles turning left or making a U-turn. Vehicles going either direction use it; white left-turn symbols show the turn direction.
A shared center lane has a solid yellow line and a dashed yellow line on each side. You may cross the solid line to make a left turn or U-turn, and enter only if it's safe.
You're in a reversible lane when the light above it changes from a green arrow to a yellow X. Signal and move to a lane showing a green arrow as soon as it's safe. A red X would mean the lane is closed to you.
Put it into practice
You want to turn left into a store across a five-lane road. Signal, check that the center lane is clear from both directions, then move into it and wait there for a gap in oncoming traffic.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
A shared center lane may be used for:
High-occupancy vehicles only
Left turns or U-turns only, from either direction
Passing slower traffic
Emergency vehicles only
Answer: Left turns or U-turns only, from either direction
The shared center lane is only for vehicles turning left or making a U-turn, from either direction.