When can you legally drive in the bicycle lane?

Legally driving in a bicycle lane is permitted when you are preparing to make a right turn. This is because the law acknowledges the need to position your vehicle for a turn safely without impeding the flow of bicycle traffic. However, it is crucial to ensure that you check for cyclists in the lane before merging into it and the maneuver should be performed with caution to prevent accidents.

When making a left turn, you typically do not need to utilize the bicycle lane, as your vehicle will cross lanes to navigate the turn, which does not justify entering the bicycle lane beforehand. The option stating "when there are no cyclists present" does not apply because it is not legal to use the bicycle lane at any time without a valid reason. Lastly, the notion of being able to drive in the bicycle lane "anytime during the day" does not align with traffic regulations, as bicycle lanes are designated for cyclists primarily and should generally be kept clear of vehicles unless specific circumstances like making a turn arise.