Photo: Elizabeth Iris, Pexels
In the US, yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions and white lines separate lanes going the same way. A solid line means do not cross or pass (or crossing is discouraged), a broken line means you may cross with care, and a double line is the strongest restriction. These rules come from the federal MUTCD, which every state follows, so they show up on every permit test.
Key facts
- Yellow = opposing traffic is on the other side. White = same-direction traffic, or the right edge of the road.
- Broken line = permissive (you may cross when safe). Solid line = discourages or prohibits crossing. Double line = maximum restriction.
- A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means no passing for you.
- A yellow line on your left edge means you are on a divided highway, one-way street or ramp, with the wrong direction beyond it.
- A two-way left-turn lane has a solid yellow line on the outside and a broken yellow line on the inside, on both edges.
Yellow lines vs white lines: what is the difference?
| Color | What it marks |
|---|---|
| Yellow | The center of a two-way road; the left edge of divided highways, one-way streets and ramps; the edges of two-way left-turn lanes and reversible lanes |
| White | Lanes going the same direction; the right edge of the road; stop lines, crosswalks and arrows |
| Blue | Added to white lines for disabled parking spaces |
| Purple | Toll plaza lanes for registered electronic toll accounts only |
| Green (colored pavement) | Bike lanes and spots where bicyclists cross your path |
Quick self-check: if the line to your left is yellow and you cross it, you could meet oncoming traffic.
Center lines on a two-lane road: when can you pass?
Federal rules allow only three center-line patterns on a two-lane, two-way road. A single solid yellow line is not used as a center line on these roads.
| You see | Meaning |
|---|---|
| One broken yellow line | Passing with care is allowed in both directions. |
| Solid yellow plus broken yellow | Passing is allowed only for traffic next to the broken line. If the solid line is on your side, do not pass. |
| Double solid yellow | No passing in either direction. |
| Two sets of double solid yellow lines, spaced apart | California treats this as a barrier. Do not cross it except at marked openings. |
Even with a broken line, you may only pass when it is safe and legal. California, for example, bans passing within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing.
No-passing zones are painted where the view ahead is too short to pass, such as on hills and curves, and on the approaches to railroad crossings and crosswalks.
Can you cross a double yellow line to turn left?
Generally yes, to turn into or out of a driveway or side road. New York’s manual allows crossing double solid lines only “to turn left to enter or leave the highway”, and California allows a left turn into a driveway across them. You may not cross them to pass.
White lane lines on multi-lane roads
- Broken white line: you may change lanes when it is safe.
- Solid white line: crossing is discouraged. It is often used near intersections to separate a through lane from a turn-only lane.
- Double solid white line: do not cross. California uses these to separate HOV lanes and says never change lanes over them. See HOV and carpool lanes explained.
- Wide or dotted lines: warn that a lane is ending or is about to become an exit or turn lane. California says ending lanes are usually marked with large broken lines. Move over early.
- Solid white edge line: marks the right edge of the road. Stay inside it.
How does a two-way left-turn lane work?
A two-way left-turn lane (often called a center turn lane) sits in the middle of a road. Each edge has a solid yellow line on the outside and a broken yellow line on the inside. White arrows pointing both ways are usually painted in the lane.
- Signal, check your mirror and blind spot, and move into the lane only shortly before your turn.
- Watch for drivers coming the other way who are using the same lane.
- Stop in the lane if needed, then turn left when there is a safe gap.
It is not a passing lane or a through lane. In California you may only drive 200 feet in a center left turn lane. Other states set their own rules, so check your handbook.
Reversible lanes
A lane edged with double broken yellow lines on both sides is a reversible lane: its direction changes at set times. Overhead signals or signs tell you if it is open.
- Green downward arrow: the lane is open to you.
- Steady yellow X: the lane is about to close. Move out.
- Red X: the lane is closed to you. Do not drive in it.
More on lights: traffic signals in the US.
Stop lines, yield lines and crosswalks
- Stop line: a solid white line across your lane. When you must stop, stop behind it. If there is none, stop before the crosswalk, or before the intersection.
- Yield line: a row of white triangles pointing at you. Slow and be ready to stop there.
- Crosswalk lines: white lines or bars. A crosswalk can also exist at an intersection with no paint at all. See pedestrians and crosswalks.
- RXR marking: a large white X with the letters RR warns of a railroad crossing ahead. See railroad crossings.
- Yield lines at roundabouts: see how to drive a roundabout.
Curb colors
Some cities paint curbs to show parking rules, but the meaning of each color is set by state or local law, not by one national code. See US parking rules for new drivers.
Common questions
Can you pass on a solid yellow line?
Not if the solid line is on your side of the center line. If the line on your side is broken, you may pass when it is safe.
What does a yellow line on my left mean on a freeway?
It marks the left edge of your side of a divided road. Opposing traffic, or a median, is beyond it.
Can I change lanes over a solid white line?
A single solid white line discourages crossing, and state rules on crossing it differ, so check your handbook. Never cross double solid white lines.
Can I use the center turn lane to merge into traffic?
The lane is for left turns. Check your state handbook before using it any other way. Never use it to pass.
What if the lines are faded or covered by snow?
Keep to the right of the center of the road, follow signs, and do not pass unless you are sure it is allowed. More tips: driving in snow, fog and rain.
Are road markings the same in every state?
The basic colors and patterns are set by the federal MUTCD and are the same nationwide. Details such as how far you may drive in a center turn lane are state law.
Related: US road signs by shape and color. All national guides: learning to drive in the USA.
Sources
- Federal Highway Administration, “MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 3: Markings (Sections 3A.03, 3A.04, 3B.01 to 3B.09, 3B.19, 3H.06)” (mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov)
- Federal Highway Administration, “MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 4: Section 4T.02 Lane-Use Control Signals” (mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov)
- Federal Highway Administration, “MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 8: Section 8C.02 Grade Crossing Pavement Markings” (mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov)
- California DMV, “California Driver’s Handbook, Section 6: Navigating the Roads” (dmv.ca.gov)
- New York DMV, “Driver’s Manual, Chapter 4: Traffic Control” (dmv.ny.gov)