Pavement markings are typically white or yellow. Other colors exist, but white and yellow are the most common colors. You must know their meaning for your written DMV test and permit practice.
When you see white and yellow lines separate travel lanes or mark the center of the road, they tell you if traffic is traveling in one or two directions. Yellow lines separate traffic in opposite directions, and white lines separate traffic lanes moving in the same direction.
Traffic travels in opposite directions on a road with yellow lines in the center of the road. You are on a two-way roadway and must drive to the right of these lines.
If you see a single solid yellow line on the left edge, you are on a divided highway or a one-way street. The yellow line often marks the edge of the median or divider. There is usually one on each side of the divider.
The right edge of the roadway has a normal solid white line (edge line).
Remember: if the yellow line is on your right and a white line is on your left, you are going the wrong way.
A yellow (center) line must always be on your left!
On a two-way roadway, the yellow center markings can consist of:
A normal broken yellow line marks a two-direction passing zone. Traffic traveling in either direction may pass other vehicles carefully and when the way ahead is clear.
Where there is one solid yellow line and one broken yellow line, traffic traveling adjacent to the broken line may pass other vehicles carefully. However, traffic traveling with a solid line on their side cannot pass.
Two solid yellow lines mean that traffic from either direction cannot pass.
If you travel on an undivided two-way roadway with four or more lanes, the center of the road has a solid double yellow line. Don’t drive to the left of the center unless you must cross the lines to turn left.
Solid yellow lines mark no-passing zones. You may not cross these lines to pass other vehicles.
Some states make an exception for slow-moving bicycles or other obstructions in your travel lane. In Florida, for example, you may cross the lines when an obstruction exists, making driving to the left of the highway’s center necessary. When a bicyclist is traveling so slowly as to constitute an obstruction, a motorist may cross the center line in a no-passing zone if the way is clear and it is safe to do so.
Remember, the solid yellow line is there for a reason. In many situations, it may be dangerous to pass. Don’t try to pass the bicyclist with little clearance or squeeze them off the road. Stay behind the bicyclist until it is safe to pass.
You can cross yellow lines in a no-passing zone to turn left turn into a driveway or side road.
Unless state law specifies otherwise, you can make a U-turn across a single or a double yellow line. You should make sure you know and understand the law in your state.
A center lane with a regular broken yellow line and a solid yellow line on each side indicates a two-way left-turn lane. This lane is for traffic in either direction as part of a left-turn maneuver. The broken yellow line is inside a two-way left-turn lane, and the solid line is painted toward the adjacent traffic lane, as shown in the illustration.
You cannot use this lane as a regular travel lane or use it to pass other vehicles. You should only enter this lane when preparing for a left turn.
Users often misunderstand the arrows painted on the pavement, thinking that the lane is for both left and right turns. It isn’t.
You will see reversible lanes on highways where specific lanes are open for traffic in one direction during morning commute and in the other direction during evening commute. It improves traffic flow during peak hours and special events. Special lane-use control signals show you if you can use a reversible lane or not.
Pavement markings in a reversible lane consist of a regular broken double yellow line on each side of the lane.
You must only cross the yellow lines to a reversible lane if lane-use control signals indicate that you can use the lane for through travel in your direction or for a left turn.
White lines separate travel lanes moving in one direction.
These pavement markings can consist of:
Dotted white lane lines separate a through lane from a deceleration or acceleration lane or a through lane that becomes a mandatory exit or turn lane.
A standard broken white line separates lanes where you can change lanes. Cross the lane line markings with care.
When there are regular or wide solid white lines between travel lanes, you should stay in your lane. The solid line means that crossing the line marking is discouraged. Only change lanes when it is necessary to avoid an incident.
The solid white lane line marking separates a through lane from an added mandatory turn lane at intersections. Once you have entered your lane, don’t change your mind at the last second. Respect the pavement markings.
If a double white line separates travel lanes, you must not cross the line. Do not change lanes for any reason.
Sharrows: They are Shared Lane Markings. Such markings remind you that motorists and bicyclists can use the traffic land. Note the difference between a designated bicycle lane and a shared roadway (sharrow).
HOV lanes: These lanes are reserved for specific vehicles and marked with a white diamond symbol. Signs beside the lane will indicate what vehicles can use the lane.
Stop or limit lines: Such lines are white and painted across the travel lane at intersections and indicate where you must stop your vehicle when required by a sign or signal. You must stop before entering a crosswalk or the intersection if there is no stop line.
This video summarizes everything you need to know about road markings for your State’s DMV test.
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#1.
What does a white diamond symbol on the pavement usually mark?An emergency lane
A. An emergency laneA lane for slow moving traffic
B. A lane for slow moving trafficA carpool lane
C. A carpool laneAn exit lane
D. An exit laneLanes marked with a diamond symbol are known as carpool or high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. The white diamond symbol may also be used together with a bicycle symbol to mark bike lanes.
#2.
If you turn into a road at night and see road reflectors shine red, the reflectors tell you that:You are going against traffic
A. You are going against trafficYou have entered a HOV lane
B. You have entered a HOV laneThere is a work zone ahead
C. There is a work zone aheadYou must slow down
D. You must slow downRed markings or reflectors indicate a roadway that must not be entered. If you are going the wrong way at night, the road reflectors will shine red in your headlights.
#3.
What do sharrows mark?Emergency lanes
A. Emergency lanesLanes for bicyclists only
B. Lanes for bicyclists onlyDeceleration and exit lanes
C. Deceleration and exit lanesLanes shared by motorists and bicyclists
D. Lanes shared by motorists and bicyclistsSharrows are shared lane markings. They remind you that a traffic lane can be used by both motorists and bicyclists.
#4.
Road lines that separate traffic going in different directions are:Yellow
A. YellowWhite
B. WhiteRed
C. RedAny color
D. Any colorYellow lines mark the center of a road used for two-way traffic. Broken yellow lines indicate that passing is permitted. Solid yellow lines indicate no passing.
#5.
If you have a solid yellow line on your right and a white line on your left:You may not pass other vehicles
A. You may not pass other vehiclesYou are going the wrong way
B. You are going the wrong wayYour lane is for turning only
C. Your lane is for turning onlyYou may pass other vehicles, when safe.
D. You may pass other vehicles, when safe.If you find yourself on a roadway with yellow to your right and white to your left, you are going the wrong way. Remember, yellow is used to divide opposing roadway traffic and can indicate the left travel edge of a divided roadway.
Yellow line markings should never be on your right side; always on your left side.
#6.
When is a double white line used between traffic lanes?When slower traffic must use the right lane
A. When slower traffic must use the right laneWhen crossing the line is discouraged
B. When crossing the line is discouragedWhen only left turns are allowed
C. When only left turns are allowedWhen changing lanes is prohibited
D. When changing lanes is prohibitedA double white line is two solid white lines that indicate a lane barrier. They tell you that crossing the lines to change lane is prohibited.
#7.
What color are road lines that separate traffic going in the same direction?Yellow
A. YellowWhite
B. WhiteBlue
C. BlueAny color
D. Any colorWhite lines mark traffic lanes going in the same direction.
#8.
Broken double yellow lines on each side of a lane indicates:A reversible lane
A. A reversible laneA two-way left-turn lane
B. A two-way left-turn laneA passing lane
C. A passing laneAn evacuation route
D. An evacuation routeReversible lanes are lanes that are open for traffic in one direction during morning commute and in the other direction during evening commute.
#9.
What do two solid yellow lines on a two-lane road indicate?A no passing zone
A. A no passing zoneA no turn area
B. A no turn areaA two-left turn lane
C. A two-left turn laneA railroad crossing
D. A railroad crossingSolid yellow lines mark a no passing zone. When a solid yellow line is on your side of the road you must never cross the line to pass other vehicles. Pass only if there is a broken yellow line on your side of the center.
#10.
A two-way left turn lane is marked on both sides with:A white broken line
A. A white broken lineTwo yellow broken lines
B. Two yellow broken linesA solid yellow line and a broken yellow line
C. A solid yellow line and a broken yellow lineTwo solid white lines
D. Two solid white linesA two-way left turn lane is found in the middle of a two-way street. It is marked on both sides by two yellow lines. The inner line is broken and the outer line is solid.
Why is it important to stop behind stop lines?
MUTCD Pavement and Curb Markings
10 Common Questions about Road Markings
California Pavement Markings
1 / 10
1. If double solid white lines separate a freeway ramp, you must:
A) Not enter until you see a single broken white line
B) Cross the lines with caution
C) Slow down and stop
Double solid white lines indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane, such as a carpool (HOV) lane. You may also see double solid white lines in or near the freeway on and off ramps. Never change lanes over double solid white lines. Wait until you see a single broken white line.
2 / 10
2. A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means:
A) In both directions may pass
B) Vehicles next to the solid line may pass
C) Vehicles next to the broken line may pass
A broken yellow line indicates that passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear. Overtaking and passing should be done with care because of oncoming traffic.
3 / 10
3. Sharrows mark:
A) Lanes shared by bicyclists and motorists
B) Lanes reserved for bicyclists
C) Lanes reserved for left turns
Sharrows are shared roadway bicycle markings. They alert drivers that bicyclists can occupy the lane and help bicyclists maintain a safe lane position in traffic.
4 / 10
4. Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart:
A) May not be crossed
B) May be crossed only when turning left
C) May be crossed only when exiting a private road
Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart are considered a barrier. Do not drive on or over this barrier, make a left turn, or make a U-turn across it, except at designated openings.
5 / 10
5. What indicates whether you can pass other cars on a two-way road?
A) White yield lines
B) Single solid white lines
C) Solid or broken yellow lines
On two-way roadways, broken yellow lines indicate that you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane. Yellow solid lines indicate that passing is prohibited.
6 / 10
6. The road surface in carpool lanes is marked with:
A) Double solid yellow lines
B) A solid white line of triangles
C) A diamond symbol
The road surface in a HOV lane is marked with a diamond symbol. A HOV lane is reserved for carpools, buses, motorcycles, or low-emission vehicles with decals.
7 / 10
7. If there is a center lane as shown, you must:
A) Use this lane for both left and right turns
B) Use this lane for passing slow-moving vehicles
C) Use this lane for a left turn
Use the center left turn lane to prepare for and make a left turn or U-turn. It is not a regular traffic lane or passing lane. You may only drive for 200 feet in the center left turn lane.
8 / 10
8. What is true about a public transit bus lane?
A) You may drive in this lane at night
B) You must not drive or cross the lane for any reason
C) You may cross a bus lane to make a right turn
Driving, stopping, parking, or leaving a vehicle in an area designated for public transit buses is illegal. Signs will be posted to indicate that the lanes are for buses only. You may cross a bus lane to make a right turn.
9 / 10
9. White lines mark:
A) Traffic moving in opposite directions
B) Traffic lanes going in the same direction
C) No-passing zones
The white line marks traffic lanes going in the same direction. It includes one-way streets.
10 / 10
10. You must not drive to the left of two solid yellow lines unless:
A) You turn left into a private road
B) The way is clear
C) You pass a motorcyclist
Do not pass over double solid yellow lines. Stay to the right of these lines unless you are
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Pavement markings are essential to keep you safe on the road.
Edge lines and center lines help you position your vehicle and reduce the risk of running off the roadway or going against traffic.
These ten questions are examples of questions you may see on a DMV test in California and every state in the United States. Pavement markings are consistent across the country and have the same meaning in all states.
The colors tell you if road lines separate traffic in different directions (center lines) or in the same direction (lane lines).
Yellow lines always mark the center and separate traffic in opposite directions. On divided highways with a wide median, you will see the yellow center line on your left, and it may not always be obvious that it is a center line.
If you find yourself with a yellow line on your right, you are going against traffic. Pull over and stop immediately.
White lines mark the road edge and separate traffic going in the same direction (lane lines).
Red lines can mark edges where parking is prohibited (curb markings).
Broken (dashed) and solid lines convey different meanings.
Broken lines are permissive. You can cross broken lines to change lanes or pass other vehicles. Before you move from one lane to another or from a straight course:
Make sure it is safe to do so.
Check behind you, and do not forget your blind spot.
Signal your intentions so that others are aware of your movements.
Solid lines are restricted. You are discouraged or prohibited from changing lanes and passing other vehicles.
A single solid white line tells you to stay in your lane if possible.
The pavement is marked with two solid white lines to indicate that changing lines is prohibited.
Two solid yellow lines in the center of the road tell you that moving to the left of these lines to pass others is prohibited. You may, however, cross two solid yellow lines to make a left turn if safe.
Sometimes, the center markings have one broken and one solid yellow line. If the solid line is on your side, it tells you that passing is prohibited. If the broken line is on your side, passing is allowed.
There are two lane markings you should pay special attention to:
Center left turn lanes: These lanes are located in the middle of a two-way street and marked on both sides by two painted lines. The inner line is broken, and the outer line is solid. These lanes may only be used for left turns, not passing other vehicles. The lanes are known as two-way left turn lanes since traffic from both directions can use them.
Reversible lanes: These lanes accommodate traffic going in one direction at certain times (like morning commute) and in the other directions at other times (like evening commute). They have double dashed lines on both sides and are also called flex lines.
Reversible lanes are not mentioned in the California Driver Handbook and will not be on your test.
Test takers often trip on questions about sharrows.
These markings are uncommon outside larger cities, and many drivers take them for bike lane markings.
Sharrows mean Shared Roadway Bicycle Markings. They alert motorists that bicyclists can occupy a travel lane and share it with other vehicles. They also help bicyclists to maintain a safe lane position.
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30 CA Test Questions 8
Signs and Signals 1
20 Road Signs
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