Can you make a left turn at this intersection at the same time?

Explanation

Yes, both may turn left at the same time.

In the picture the pink lorry is coming from the opposite direction with its left indicator on; you too intend to turn left. The rule everyone has memorised is: "when turning left you must give priority to oncoming vehicles." But the exact wording of the rule carries a vital qualification that is usually overlooked: this priority applies only against a vehicle that is coming straight towards you or turning right.

When both drivers are turning left, neither of those two cases holds. The two cars pass each other in the left quadrant of the junction and their paths do not cross; that is why neither is obliged to stop and the manoeuvre can be performed simultaneously. The standard method is for the two cars to pass to the left of each other, that is, each turning before reaching the centre of the junction.

The safety reason for this arrangement matters: if the two drivers decided to pass to the right of each other and turn "round" one another, the body of the oncoming car would block both drivers' view of the opposing lane precisely, and a car coming straight on from behind the lorry would not be seen until the last moment. Passing to the left keeps the field of view open.

Worth memorising: before turning, make sure the oncoming car's lit indicator really does mean a turn and that nobody is hidden behind the tall lorry; the lorry in the picture is exactly what blocks your view of the opposing lane.

• Tempting, because "the passenger car defers to the lorry" sounds cautious; but the size of a vehicle plays no part in the priority rules, and here there is no crossing of paths at all that would oblige anyone to give priority. • This applies the "left turn gives way" rule to the lorry, but that rule is activated only against an oncoming car going straight or turning right, not against a car that is also turning left.

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