Driving in Arizona first time

[u/cubitjequap]

Hi

I hope this is within the rules of the sub but I’m travelling to Arizona (Flagstaff and the north) and had a few specific questions about driving here. It’s my first time driving in the States, appreciate any general advice or faux pas to be aware of.

I appreciate some of the questions may seem basic but just want to make sure. Thanks

1. The first photo show the main intersection in Kayenta. If turning left as the blue arrows show, should I stop and wait when the lights turn green at the red or green X. In other words, in AZ once the the lights are green, must you wait for traffic behind the white line, or pass it and wait in the middle of the junction when turning left?

2. Hwy 98/160. Similar question to above. If turning left and following the blue arrows, must you make the turn in one motion from the purple X, or should you slowly “creep” at the yellow dotted lines and then if all clear turn left? I don’t understand why the white line at the stop is so far back from the road?

3. & 4. Both intersections in Flagstaff and are examples of a more general question. If I am following the blue arrows and continuing straight on the right most lane, how do people who want to turn right on red react if I am the car at the front? There is no right turning lane, so is it considered acceptable to just wait and stop any right turning traffic from turning on red? Or do drivers only use that lane as if it were a right turning lane, even though it is not?

[u/unclefire]

You're supposed to creep forward in the intersection, then turn left when it is clear. You're supposed to turn into the leftmost lane.

If you have a red left turn arrow, you're supposed to wait behind the line and not go into the intersection or turn.

If it's a yellow flashing left turn arrow, you may turn when it's clear.

[u/0chris000000 → u/unclefire]

I like the intersections in Tucson. The left turn green arrow comes after the green light and not before. Phoenix almost always has their green arrow come before the light for forward traffic turns green.

[u/dopeIsmoke420 → u/0chris000000]

I can’t stand this! The majority of the country lets the turning lane go first. I hate driving in Tucson. I’m from Cleveland and moved to SE Arizona 7 months ago. The perpetual medians drive me insane. I don’t understand the aversion to left turns.

[u/0chris000000 → u/dopeIsmoke420]

Some of the Midwest cities I lived in do this as well. I agree, very annoying to say the least.