On a three-lane road, what is the purpose of the center lane?

The center lane on a three-lane road is specifically designated for left turns. This lane helps facilitate safer and more organized turning movements for vehicles that need to turn left onto other streets or driveways. By providing a dedicated space for these maneuvers, the center lane minimizes the risk of accidents that can occur when vehicles suddenly stop or slow down in the main travel lanes to make a left turn.

Using the center lane for left turns also helps maintain smoother traffic flow in the adjacent lanes, allowing vehicles traveling straight to continue without interruption. In contrast, the other options—such as passing vehicles, parking, or right turns—are not appropriate uses for the center lane as they can lead to confusion and increased risk of collisions.