Wisconsin Statutes
Wis. Stat. § 346.31 (2026)
Required position and method of turning at intersections
✓ current as of July 2026
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346.31(1)(1) Turns indicated by pavement markings. Where state or local authorities have placed pavement markings or signs within or adjacent to an intersection directing traffic turning at such intersection to follow a particular course, the operator of a vehicle turning at such intersection shall comply with such directions. In the absence of such pavement markings or signs, the operator of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do as provided in subs. (2) to (4).
346.31(2)(2) Right turns. Both the approach for a right turn and the right turn shall be made as closely as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway. If, because of the size of the vehicle or the nature of the intersecting roadway, the turn cannot be made from the traffic lane next to the right-hand edge of the roadway, the turn shall be made with due regard for all other traffic.
346.31(3)(3) Left turns and U-turns. Except as otherwise provided in sub. (4), left turns at intersections shall be made as follows:
346.31(3)(a)(a) The approach for a left turn or U-turn shall be made in the lane farthest to the left which is lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle about to turn left. Unless otherwise marked or posted, this means the lane immediately to the right of the center line or center dividing strip of a 2-way highway and the lane next to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway of a one-way highway.
346.31(3)(b)(b) The intersection shall be entered in the lane of approach and, whenever practicable, the left turn or U-turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection immediately to the left of the center of the intersection. For the purposes of this paragraph, a divided highway intersected by any other highway is considered to be one intersection.
346.31(3)(c)(c) A left turn shall be completed so as to enter the intersecting highway in that lane farthest to the left which is lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of the vehicle completing the left turn. Unless otherwise marked or posted, this means the lane immediately to the right of the center line or center dividing strip of a 2-way highway and the lane next to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway of a one-way highway.
346.31(4)(4) Left turns and U-turns on 3-lane highways. On a 2-way highway having an uneven number of lanes the approach for a left turn or U-turn shall be made in the center lane, unless otherwise posted or marked. A left turn into a 2-way highway having an uneven number of lanes shall be made so as to enter the highway in the lane immediately to the right of the center lane.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 5
cases, 1963–2013 · leading case: United States v. Nicholson, 721 F.3d 1236 (10th Cir. 2013).
United States v. Nicholson, 721 F.3d 1236 (10th Cir. 2013). “”); Wis. Stat. Ann. § 346.31 (3)(c) (“A left turn shall be completed so as to enter the intersecting highway in the lane farthest to the left which is lawfully available to traffic moving the direction of the vehicle completing the left turn.”
State v. Johnson, 730 N.W.2d 661 (Wis. Ct. App. 2007). “On February 23, 2001, Johnson was charged with one count of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant (OWI) as a fifth offense, in violation of Wis. Stat. §§ 346.31 (l)(a) and 346.65(2), and with one count of hit and run, in violation of Wis.”
Milwaukee Auto. Mut. Ins. v. Nat'l Farmers Union Prop. & Cas. Co., 128 N.W.2d 12 (Wis. 1964). “Was jury determination as to negligence of Kuckuck duplicitous? Appellant complains that the jury determination as to the negligence of Kuckuck was duplicitous in that the trial court apprised the jury of Kuckuck’s duty to maintain proper management and control of his vehicle…”
Donlea v. Carpenter, 124 N.W.2d 305 (Wis. 1963). “This instruction set forth the requirements of sec. 346.31, Stats., requiring an approach for a left turn in the lane farthest to the left.”
United States v. Nicholson (10th Cir. 2013). “”); Wis. Stat. Ann. § 346.31 (3)(c) (“A left turn shall be completed so as to enter the intersecting highway in the lane farthest to the left which is lawfully available to traffic moving the direction of the vehicle completing the left turn.”
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