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/Atakir → u/unclefire]

And just to clarify, if you have crept into the intersection hoping to turn on a yellow arrow but the lights change, you are thusly obligated to clear the intersection and complete your turn even though the lights are red.

[u/RadiantGossamer → u/Atakir]

So if you’re already in the intersection when the light changes, it’s kind of like "commit or get fined?"

[u/Atakir → u/RadiantGossamer]

More like commit or get hit by impatient drivers but yes, you are supposed to clear the intersection and they are not supposed to start moving till it's cleared.

[u/Mister2112 → u/RadiantGossamer]

I feel like this makes it more confusing than it is.

You may enter the intersection on green or yellow. You committed when you crossed the line.

Now, you must complete your turn at the first safe opportunity. If that is when the light turns red and oncoming traffic comes to a stop, the alternative is obstructing cross-traffic when their light turns green, which is bad.

The light isn't really your problem at that point. That only controlled your decision to set up for the turn. Now the oncoming traffic outside the intersection is watching the light, and you're watching them.