Pavement markings

By the end of this topic you can

• You can tell from the line color whether traffic beside you is going the same way or the opposite way.
• You can say whether a solid, broken, double or dotted line lets you cross it.
• You can stop at the right place using stop lines, yield lines and crosswalks.
• You can follow arrows and words painted in lanes.
• You can recognize markings for center turn lanes, bike lanes and HOV lanes.

What you need to know and understand

• Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions and mark the left edge of divided roads and one-way streets.
• White lines separate lanes going the same way and mark the right edge of the road.
• A broken line means you may cross it when safe. A solid line discourages or bans crossing.
• A double line is the strongest restriction; double solid yellow means no passing in either direction.
• A dotted line extends a lane line through an intersection or warns that a lane is about to change, such as becoming exit-only.
• A solid white stop line shows where to stop; a row of triangles pointing at you marks a yield line.
• A white diamond marks a restricted lane such as an HOV lane; a blue marking identifies disabled parking.

Yellow center lines and passing

• Single broken yellow: two-way road; passing allowed in both directions when safe.
• Solid yellow beside broken yellow: you may pass only if the broken line is on your side.
• Double solid yellow: no passing for either direction. You may usually cross it to turn left into or out of a driveway or side road after yielding.
• Two pairs of double yellow lines with a space between: a painted median; do not drive in it.
• Solid and broken yellow on each side of a center lane: two-way left turn lane.

White lines between lanes

• Broken white: lane line; change lanes when safe.
• Solid white: lane changes discouraged, often near intersections; also the edge line at the right side of the road.
• Wide solid white: separates turn lanes or bike lanes; crossing is discouraged.
• Double solid white: do not change lanes.
• Dotted white: a lane ahead will exit or turn, or guidance through an intersection.

Crosswalks, stop lines and symbols

The national standard says crosswalk lines are white, although California's handbook notes that some school crossings there still have yellow lines. Remember that many crosswalks at intersections are unmarked but still legal crosswalks. Stop before the stop line when one is present, or before the crosswalk if there is no line.

Arrows painted in lanes show which way you may go from that lane. Words such as ONLY or STOP, bike symbols and diamond symbols tell you who the lane is for. Some cities paint transit-only lanes red and bike lanes green. Always obey a police officer or flagger over any marking.

Common mistakes

• Passing across a solid yellow line on your side. Only a broken line on your side allows passing.
• Stopping beyond the stop line, in the crosswalk. Stop at the first line you reach.
• Ignoring a dotted line before an exit and getting stuck in an exit-only lane.
• Driving in a painted median or across diagonal stripes. These areas are not lanes.
• Forgetting that unmarked crosswalks exist at most intersections. Yield to pedestrians there too.

Test yourself: Pavement markings

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• US Road Lines Meaning