Pavement Markings and Roadway Markings
Pavement markings carry the same legal weight as signs in many situations, but they are easier to misread because they are low and sometimes worn. The exam tests yellow versus white, broken versus solid, and what each line permits.
Core rules
- Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction or mark the right edge.
- A broken yellow center line means passing is permitted when safe; a solid yellow line on your side means no passing.
- Double solid yellow means neither direction may pass.
- A broken white line separates lanes of same-direction traffic and may be crossed when safe; a solid white line marks an edge or a lane boundary where crossing should be avoided.
- Stop lines are wide white bars; crosswalks may be marked with parallel bars or left unmarked at intersections.
- Turn arrows in a lane mean you must turn that way from that lane.
Worked example
On a two-lane road you see a broken yellow line on your side and a solid yellow line on the opposite side. The broken line permits you to pass when there is a safe gap and no oncoming conflict; the solid line on the other side means oncoming traffic may not pass. The reasoning is that the line nearest you controls your side. If the lines were reversed, passing would be prohibited for you.
Traps
Do not treat a double yellow as passing allowed if clear - it is not. Do not confuse a white lane line with an edge line. A yellow line can also mark the left edge of a divided highway or one-way road, so color alone does not always mean center. Worn markings still apply; use signs and road geometry to confirm.