Learn Yellow Line Basics

On two-lane, two-way roadways, you are likely to find these center-line markings:

• A normal broken yellow line.
• A double yellow line, one of which is a normal broken yellow line, and the other is a normal solid yellow line.
• Two normal solid yellow lines.

On undivided two-way roadways with four or more lanes, the center line always consists of a solid double yellow line.

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What The Yellow Lines Mean

The lines mark where crossing the center of the road for passing is allowed or not allowed.

A standard broken yellow line tells you that passing is allowed (a passing zone).

When there is one broken line and one solid line, traffic traveling adjacent to the broken line can pass (passing zone), and traffic traveling adjacent to the solid line cannot pass (no-passing zone).

Two regular solid yellow lines mark where crossing the center for passing is prohibited (a no-passing zone). It applies to traffic traveling in either direction.

Where Are Solid Yellow Lines Used?

You will typically find no-passing zones when approaching intersections, railroad crossings, hills, curves, and other locations with limited sight distances or special conditions.

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Two double yellow lines mark areas where it is dangerous to move over to the left side of the road to pass another vehicle.

Always respect the markings, and never try to pass other vehicles in a no-passing zone.

Is it Always Illegal to Cross Double Yellow Lines?

When Can You Cross Double Yellow Lines?

It is a common misunderstanding that you cannot cross a double yellow center line for any reason. You may cross them in some situations.

The law states that where two regular solid yellow lines mark a no-passing zone, you may not drive on the left side of the roadway or the left side of the pavement striping to pass.

The keywords here are to pass.

Crossing a solid yellow line may be allowed if it is safe in situations that do not include passing.

Obstruction on your side of the road

You may drive to the left of solid yellow center lines when you are instructed by construction workers, traffic officers, or traffic signs to drive on the other side of the road because your side is closed or blocked. For example, in a work zone, flaggers may control the traffic and allow traffic on only one side of the center.

Typically, you can temporarily cross the lines if an obstruction is on your side of the road. A slow-moving vehicle is generally not considered an obstruction – but it can be in certain situations.

Many states have made a clear exception for slow-moving bicyclists. In Colorado, as an example, the no-passing law does not apply to:

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…the driver of a vehicle passing a bicyclist moving the same direction and in the same lane when such movement can be made in safety and without interfering with, impeding, or endangering other traffic lawfully using the highway.

Making a left turn into a driveway

You may also cross solid yellow center lines in a no-passing zone when you turn left at an intersection or into or from an alley, private road, or driveway.

U-turns (in some states)

Some states also allow U-turns across a double solid yellow line unless prohibited by signs.

One example is California, where U-turns are specifically allowed (California Vehicle Code 21460).

…The markings as specified in subdivision (a), (b), or (c) do not prohibit a driver from crossing the marking if (1) turning to the left at an intersection or into or out of a driveway or private road, or (2) making a U-turn under the rules governing that turn…

In New York, the law only mentions one specific exception, which does not include U-turns (Article 25 – NY Vehicle and Traffic Law, section 1126).

(a) When official markings are in place indicating those portions of any highway where overtaking and passing or driving to the left of such markings would be especially hazardous, no driver of a vehicle proceeding along such highway shall at any time drive on the left side of such markings.

(b) The foregoing limitations shall not apply to the driver of a vehicle turning left while entering or leaving such highway.

Always Use Caution

Whenever you cross double yellow lines, you should always use great caution and only proceed if you are sure it is safe.

DMV Test Questions and Answers by State

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