Question: When entering a construction zone that reduces a lane of travel, is it illegal to run up the closed lane when it is marked ahead of time but before the barrels? What about vehicles that try to work together to block the closed lane to try to help the flow ahead of them?

Answer: The lane does not actually close until you reach the barrels. You must merge prior to that point. As far as the vehicles working together to block the lane, it would appear to be an issue of impeding traffic. Courtesy would say to alternate vehicles from each lane and everyone will actually move through the area faster than trying to close off a lane early.

Q: I frequently see cars performing a U-turn from the designated left-turn lane that leads into Sunset Square from eastbound Sunset Drive. There is a concrete divider that ends just east of the entrance to Sunset Square that is between Starbucks and Jack in the Box. It appears vehicles will U-turn from that turn lane and head back toward Interstate 5 or go to that other entrance of Sunset Square rather than wait for the traffic signal. Is it legal to make a U-turn at that location?

A: No, it is not legal to do a U-turn at that location. The concrete barrier was installed to prevent that exit from being used by eastbound traffic. It is a $124 infraction to do that movement.

ABOUT RULES OF THE ROAD

Rules of the Road is a regular column with questions and answers on road laws, safe driving habits and general police practices.

Answers come from David Wright, a retired officer from the Bellingham Police Department who is now serving on the Whatcom County Traffic Safety Task Force.

To ask a question, go to http://www.bellinghamherald.com/ask-a-question/.