Is It Legal to Go Straight in a Turn-Only Lane?

White Lake Patch,

This is a question regarding the right-turn-only lane at M-59 and Nordic Drive. I see people pull into that lane at the light at Nordic Drive and then proceed west on M-59 through the intersection, either to McDonald's or even as far as Meijer. My question is, is it legal to go straight in a turn-only lane past the solid white line?

Thank you,

Steve Lonergan

Chief Edward Harris: Mr. Lonergan, my apologies for the delay in answering this question. Westbound M-59 traffic that enters the right-turn lane prior to Nordic Drive is required to turn right onto Nordic Drive. There is a sign that indicates that traffic in the right lane must turn right, but equally important, there is an arrow on the pavement that points to the right at Nordic Drive.

It is a violation to continue past Nordic Drive in the right lane. If one intends to turn into the McDonald's restaurant or onto Bogie Lake Road to go to the Meijer, it is necessary to drive beyond Nordic Drive and then move into the right-turn lane.

Thank you,

Edward Harris

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