What constitutes a legal left turn at an intersection?

A legal left turn at an intersection requires the driver to yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. This means that before making the turn, the driver must ensure that it is safe to do so without endangering any other road users. Yielding to oncoming traffic is crucial because it prevents collisions, especially since left turns typically cross the path of vehicles traveling straight from the opposite direction. Additionally, pedestrians who may be crossing the intersection must be given priority, as they have the right of way.

The other options highlight actions that do not meet the criteria for a safe and legal left turn. For instance, turning without checking for pedestrians ignores key safety measures. Completing the turn at any speed does not account for safe maneuvering that ensures control of the vehicle and awareness of the environment. Finally, while turning only when the signal is green may seem logical, there are instances in which a left turn can be made on a green light, provided it is safe and yielded to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.