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Council to align local code with state law on two‑way left turn lane use
Summary
City attorney’s office proposed amending municipal code definitions to mirror state language on permitted use of two‑way center left‑turn lanes; police requested the change to enable clearer enforcement where the center lane is being misused.
The city attorney’s office presented an ordinance to amend Title 6, Chapter 1, Section 2 and Chapter 4, Section 8 of the municipal code to add a definition for two‑way left‑turn lanes and mirror state law on permitted use. The change was requested by the police department to address repeated misuse of center turn lanes on certain four‑lane roadways.
Mandy, presenting the ordinance language, said the proposed paragraph mirrors state statutory language and is intended to clarify that the center lane—with markings that allow drivers from both directions to enter to make left turns—may not be used for through travel over extended distances. She said the amendment does not change penalties or create new forms of citation beyond what state law allows; rather it aligns local code wording with state language so enforcement options are clearer for officers.
Police representatives described the practical problem: during heavy traffic some drivers use the center turn lane to travel long distances, causing safety and congestion issues. Mandy and the police chief said the ordinance will make the local code consistent with state law and therefore easier to enforce. Commissioners asked questions and expressed support; no final vote was taken during the discussion and staff indicated the ordinance would proceed through the usual adoption process.
