How the 'Michigan Left' that's something not even US drivers can understand became a thing
Published on Jun 26, 2025 at 5:18 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Jun 26, 2025 at 5:18 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Daisy Edwards
Have you ever heard of the ‘Michigan Left’? Well not even US drivers can fully understand it, but it’s time to work out how it became a thing.
If you’re driving in the state of Michigan, you would find that throughout the whole state, you’re not actually allowed to make a left-turn at an intersection.
Instead of turning left, you have to drive ahead or turn right and then use a median crossover to make a U-Turn, which seems overly complicated in comparison to just simply turning left.
However, there are good reasons as to why people don’t ever turn left at intersections in Michigan and why they adopted these strange driving habits in the first place.
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US drivers can’t even understand the ‘Michigan Left’
It seems completely backward to not be able to go in all directions at an intersection, but in the state of Michigan, you are not allowed to turn left at an intersection.
Instead of turning left, you have to drive ahead or turn right and then use a median crossover to pull off a U-turn.
This has been the case in the state since the 1960s.
There are a few reasons why this bizarre car driving behaviour is undertaken in Michigan, but when you dig more into the history and justification of it, it makes a little more sense.
How did the bizarre driving behavior become a thing?
Since the 60s, experience of Michiganders and research has shown that the ‘Michigan Left’ actually relieves congestion and reduces crashes, and if crashes do occur, they are less severe.
Turns out the driving system also makes conventional intersections more efficient as it reduces average delays to left-turning cars.
Divided roadways are safer for pedestrians as well in general, so incorporating the ‘Michigan Left’ into these intersections also helps reduce pedestrian fatalities or injuries.
On roadways where Michigan Lefts have been added, crashes have been reduced 30 to 60 percent, so maybe this shows we our local governments should start living life in a more Michigan way?
Daisy is a technology journalist, covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, digital business, and emerging technologies. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral tech hacks and the latest developments in the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex technology stories into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work focuses on the products, platforms, and innovations that are transforming the way people work, communicate, and interact with technology. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
