Can drivers legally use bike lane while turning?

Question: Can you help me, please? In my community we have a street that has the right side shoulder area painted and marked as a bicycle lane. When driving (a car) on this street and approaching another street, if I want to turn right am I allowed to drive onto this shoulder/bicycle lane area so as to get as far over to the right as possible or do I have to stay in the traffic lane until turning?

Answer: Yes, I can help you and it is my pleasure to do so. According to Minnesota statute 169.19 sb 1 clause (g) “whenever it is necessary for the driver of a motor vehicle to cross a bicycle lane adjacent to the driver’s lane of travel to make a turn, the driver shall drive the motor vehicle into the bicycle lane prior to making the turn, and shall make the turn, yielding the right-of-way to any vehicles approaching so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.”

I suppose I better also add that to me common sense would dictate that you do not run over any bicyclists that may be in the lane at the time. And this is the time of year we see the bicycles out there so as always, be careful out there.

When on a multi-lane road and approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing, stopped on the side, drivers are required to move if possible.

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws in Minnesota, send your questions to Trooper Andy Schmidt, Minnesota State Patrol, 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes MN 56501-2205. Or reach me at andrew.schmidt@state.mn.us.

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