Pavement Markings, Signals, and Other Road Clues
What this domain tests
Pavement markings and signals regulate lanes, passing, stopping, and turns. The exam tests yellow-versus-white lines, signal meanings, and Massachusetts right-on-red rules.
Core rules
- Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions; white lines separate lanes moving in the same direction.
- A broken line may be crossed when safe; a solid line should not be crossed. Double yellow means no passing for traffic on the solid side.
- Stop lines and crosswalks mark where to stop; crosswalks can be marked or unmarked.
- Arrows show required turn lanes; a lane marked with a straight arrow does not authorize a turn.
- Steady red = stop; flashing red = stop, then proceed when safe; flashing yellow = slow and proceed with caution; green arrow = protected turn.
- In Massachusetts, right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it.
Worked example
You are on a two-way road with a solid yellow line on your side and a broken yellow line on the opposite side. You may not pass, because the solid line controls your side. The broken line allows opposing traffic to pass when safe.
Traps that cost marks
Do not treat a flashing yellow as a stop signal. Do not turn right on red without a full stop. Do not assume every crosswalk is painted. Do not cross a solid yellow line just because the opposite side is broken.