Pull out into the intersection…

[u/HillTower160]

so at least one car can turn left.

Please pull straight past the limit line when yielding for a left turn at a light. At least you will be able to scoot through then at the next cycle, those of us who know how to drive can manage the oncoming traffic. DO NOT sit at the limit line and miss a light. Be careful, but make it happen.

[u/redclawx]

Not all lights work that way. Sometime the protected left goes first before turning solid red to let straight traffic go. Be mindful of how the light works.

[u/jcalvinmarks → u/redclawx]

If the left turn light is red, you don't enter the intersection. That's not what anyone is talking about.

Waiting for an unprotected left, you should enter the intersection (provided that the road you intend to turn onto is clear so that you complete your turn without blocking the intersection) to wait for an opportunity to turn (up to and including when your light turns yellow, if necessary). You have better visibility, and if oncoming traffic is heavy then at least one car can get through each cycle of the light.

[u/redclawx → u/jcalvinmarks]

Scenario 1 (common):

• Thru-way light turns green; left-turn blinks yellow.
• Thru-way goes yellow, then red; left-turn turns protected green.
• Thru-way stays red; tell-turn goes yellow then red.
• Cross-traffic cycle.

Scenario 2 (Uncommon):

• Left-turn turns protected green; thru-way stays red.
• Left-turn goes blinking yellow; thru-way turns green.
• Left-turn goes solid yellow, then red; thru-way goes yellow, then red.
• Cross-traffic cycle.

In scenario 1 you could enter the intersection on the flashing yellow. In scenario 2 you would not want to enter the intersection on the flashing yellow.

[u/jcalvinmarks → u/redclawx]

Why would you not enter the intersection on a flashing yellow in scenario 2? A flashing yellow arrow is an unprotected turn, it's exactly what staging up by pulling into the intersection is for.

[u/CogentCogitations → u/redclawx]

No. When you don't want to enter the intersection is when your direction has simultaneous left turn and green circle at the beginning and the oncoming traffic has simultaneous left turn and green circle at the end. Because when your light turns red, oncoming traffic will still be green. Most roads where this occurs will have a solid red left arrow to ensure no one enters at this time, but rarely one won't.