Timing for Left Turns Adjustable

Dear Traffic Talk:

There are two busy double left-turn lanes controlled by a left-turn-only signal, both running south to east.

One is at the corner of Balboa and Ventura boulevards, and the other at the corner of Hayvenhurst Avenue and Sherman Way. Each of these intersections has a five-second left-turn light. At different times of the day, these two intersections are very congested with vehicles turning left.

I strongly suggest that both lights be lengthened to at least 10 seconds, which would permit twice the number of vehicles to turn, alleviate congestion and reduce the number of violators running the red light.

John Povraznik, Van Nuys

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Dear John:

At both of these intersections, the time for the left-turn arrows varies by the time of day, said Brian Gallagher, an engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.

The time to turn left at these intersections can be as short as five seconds or as long as 28 seconds. Department of Transportation officials will check both intersections in May and make the appropriate adjustments, he said.

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Dear Traffic Talk:

I have a 6-week-old baby in the family now, and I was wondering if he counts as a passenger for the diamond carpool lanes?

This has never been noted anywhere on DMV literature or rules. I understand that it might be difficult for an officer to see the baby, causing the officer to pull me over.

But if this is the case, then at what age does a young person count as a “passenger” for the carpool lanes on the freeways?

David Rowe, Burbank

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Dear David:

Yes, you may use the carpool lane with your brand new baby, according to Officer Lou Aviles, spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.

There are no age requirements to be counted as a passenger.

Be aware, however, that the San Bernardino Freeway (10) requires three passengers, not the usual two, Aviles said.

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Dear Traffic Talk:

You recently wrote that you may not proceed on a red left-turn arrow.

What about turning right on a red right-turn arrow? I always wait until the red arrow turns to a green arrow, but other cars are constantly beeping at me and going around me.

Is it legal to turn on a red right-turn arrow?

Phyllis Mael, Northridge

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Dear Phyllis:

No, you may not turn right on a red right-turn arrow, according to Aviles.

However, there is an exception: you may turn right or left after stopping on a red arrow if you are driving along a one-way street and turning onto another one-way street, Aviles said.

Traffic Talk appears Fridays in The Times Valley Edition. Readers may submit comments and questions about traffic in the Valley to Traffic Talk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited, and no anonymous letters will be accepted. Fax letters to (818) 772-3385. E-mail questions to valley.news@latimes.com.