Pavement Markings and Roadway Symbols
Pavement markings and roadway symbols do the same job as signs but lie under your wheels. The Florida test asks you to read line color, line style and symbols, and to know which markings you may cross.
Yellow and white lines
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction or mark the edge of the road. A broken line may be crossed when safe; a solid line should not be crossed. Double yellow means no passing in either direction. Where one line is solid and the other broken, you may pass only if the broken line is on your side. On divided highways the left edge is marked with yellow and the right edge with white.
Intersections and symbols
A solid white stop line marks where to stop at a sign or signal. Crosswalks are marked with white parallel bars; yield lines are rows of white triangles. White arrows and the word ONLY show lane use. The diamond symbol marks an HOV lane. A bicycle symbol marks a bike lane. Painted medians and hatched areas are not driving lanes. Railroad crossings use 'R X R' markings.
Worked example
You are behind a solid yellow line on your side and a broken yellow line on the other side. May you pass? No - you may cross only if the broken line is on your side. The oncoming driver has the broken line and may pass if clear. If both lines were broken, either direction could pass when safe.
Traps that cost marks
Do not cross a solid white edge line to pass; it marks the edge, not a lane. Do not drive in a two-way left-turn lane to travel; use it only for turning. Do not stop on the crosswalk instead of the stop line. Do not treat a painted median as a refuge lane. At night or in rain, read the line style carefully because wet pavement hides reflectors.