What is the purpose of a shared center lane?

The shared center lane is specifically designed to facilitate the safe making of left turns and U-turns for vehicles traveling in either direction. This greatly enhances traffic flow by providing a dedicated space for drivers to maneuver safely from their lanes.

When a driver wants to turn left but faces oncoming traffic, the shared center lane allows them to wait in that lane instead of obstructing the flow of traffic. This not only improves the overall efficiency of intersections but also minimizes the risk of collisions, as vehicles can more easily coordinate their turns without interrupting the movement of other vehicles.

In contrast, lanes reserved solely for emergency vehicles or buses would not serve the broader traffic needs that the shared center lane addresses. Parking purposes do not apply to a shared center lane, as parking is typically designated to the side of the roadway and not in a lane intended for active vehicular motion.