Can a driver pull into the middle of an intersection, to make a left turn, and stop until the light turns yellow then red before it makes the left turn?
The short answer is a driver is NOT legally permitted to enter the intersection and wait for the yellow/red before making the left turn.

RCW 46.61.202, Stopping when traffic obstructed. No driver shall enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk or drive onto any railroad grade crossing unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection, crosswalk, or railroad grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle he or she is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles, pedestrians, or railroad trains notwithstanding any traffic control signal indications to proceed.

As the RCW states, by occupying space in the middle of an intersection, the driver is obstructing that portion of the roadway. The middle of the intersection is not a lane. It an intersection, which should be clear unless the vehicle is moving safely through to the other side of the intersection.Blocking the intersection

Show All Answers

1. When do I have to stop for a school bus?
2. What is the speed limit in a school zone when the light isn't flashing and I don't see any kids?
3. Is there a restriction on how long a car can be parked on a street in a neighborhood in Marysville?
4. I live on a dead-end street with no sidewalks. There are residents that park on both sides of the street. How many vehicles are allowed to park on residential streets?
5. Does Marysville have any ordinances about people parking on their lawns, using their lawns as a parking area on an on going basis?
6. Can a vehicle park where they are blocking residents mailboxes? Where mail cannot be delivered?
7. Where can I submit a photo of someone parked illegally at the Marysville Post Office and the incident occurred yesterday?
8. My 12 year old son is very disrespectful and is beginning to take property that doesn’t belong to him. Is there a program to scare him straight? He scares me and I don’t know what to do.
9. My friend's sons were recently assaulted. I was wondering if you know of any programs for free self defense classes or if you know of a nearby department that does classes for the community?
10. Can we see more traffic patrols on Ingraham Blvd? It seems to be a race track for diesel trucks. Everyday it starts at 2pm and last until 8pm. These trucks are loud. What is the noise regulations?
11. What is the cut off time in the evening for making noise in city limits?
12. I have a neighbor who likes to have a wood fired pit that when he is burning, makes it impossible for me and many of my other neighbors to have windows open. What are the rules?
13. How do I determine if a motorcycle helmet is legal?
14. Are you able to help serve divorce papers?
15. I found a hypodermic needle near my mailbox on the ground (looks used). How am I to properly dispose of it?
16. Where can I get a copy of a police report?
17. I was wondering why there was such a big convoy of motorcycle sheriffs riding through smokey point this afternoon.
18. Can you get pulled over on a bike or board for speeding down a hill faster than the speed limit?
19. There is a kid who lives in his car near my house. It's weird having him sit in his car all day as other kids regularly walk up to his car before they disappear into nearby garages. What can I do?
20. Can a driver pull into the middle of an intersection, to make a left turn, and stop until the light turns yellow then red before it makes the left turn?
21. If I violate my Notice of Trespass, exactly what will happen to me; will I go to jail and for how long; can I post bail; what type of penalties will I face?
22. What are the city's rules on chickens and roosters?
23. My wife and I would like to apply for a CCW permit. What type of documents are rquired? I had a CCW issued 4 years ago.
24. How long does a temporary transfer of a firearm last and at what point, if any, does the firearm change ownership if the borrower retains possession of the firearm?
25. What are the laws about using a drone to look into someone else's house? A drone flew around our house last night, looking into our windows, and I have no idea who it belongs to. What are the laws?
26. I have my truck parked on my brothers property. Does the city have the right to go onto his property and remove it?
27. Is there any stipulation within MMC 22C.240.020 that specifies a warning must be issued before the infraction can be issued?
28. How do I ask a police officer a question?