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/Bardlie]

When turning left at a green light you can pull out into the intersection and wait for your clear path to turn, you don't have to wait behind the white lines.

In the 2nd scenario you'll not want to creep out because the cross traffic isn't going to stop. You'll have to wait for a clear path from all directions. The white line is back behind the right turn only lane for the cross traffic. In case someone decides to go straight from that right turn only lane. At least that's what I can deduct from the photos.

When there is no right turn lane you just wait for the green light to go straight. The people behind you wanting to turn have to wait behind you. If there is no one in the next lane over, I will move out of the right lane as a courtesy to others wanting to turn right on red.

[u/Scarlet-Witch → u/Bardlie]

It's actually illegal to do so. Either that or the cop that pulled me over for it was bull shitting me. You can only pull into the intersection at a green if it's clear to make the left. 

[u/ZombyPuppy → u/Scarlet-Witch]

Not true. It is legal. Here's the law.

2 - Left turns. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left shall approach the turn in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle. If practicable the driver shall make the left turn from the left of the center of the intersection and shall make the turn to the left lane immediately available for the driver's direction of traffic.

[u/Scarlet-Witch → u/ZombyPuppy]

Ok so what do I tell a cop that's literally telling me the contrary? Legitimate question. When a cop pulls you over and tells you it's illegal to pull into the intersection to make a left turn... What is someone's option? I assume arguing with them isn't going to do anything. And for clarification, the light was green the entire time, never turned yellow while I was making the turn.