Lane Markings & Lane Changes Flashcards
Yellow lane markings separate multiple lanes of traffic going in opposite directions. You may cross a broken yellow line to pass another vehicle but you should not cross a solid yellow line except to turn.
Yellow Lane Markings
White lane markings separate multiple lanes of traffic going in the same direction. Most roads with more than two lanes have broken white lines to separate the lanes. You may cross a broken white line when it is safe to change lanes but you should not cross a solid white line.
White Lane Marking
Only change one lane at a time. When changing lanes to prepare for a turn, do so at least 200 feet before the turn. Do not weave in and out of lanes, which greatly increases risk of an accident. On the highway, slower vehicles
should use the lane to the right. Leave the left-hand lane for faster moving or passing vehicles.
Follow these rules when you are changing lanes:
- Make sure that there is no traffic ahead of you in the lane that you would like to enter; and
- Check your mirrors for any vehicles that are preparing to pass you; and
- Briefly turn your head towards the lane that you are entering to make sure that there is no vehicle in your “blind spot” and that there is sufficient room to move into the adjacent lane; and
- Use your turn signals to alert other drivers of your intention to change
lanes; and - Smoothly move into the new driving lane.
Changing Lanes and Passing Other Vehicles
- Make sure the passing lane is clear of traffic. You must return to the right
side of the road no less than 100 feet before any oncoming vehicle; and - Check behind and to the left of your vehicle to make sure that another
vehicle is not attempting to pass you; and - Use your turn signals to alert other drivers of your intention to change
lanes; and - Move into the passing lane, accelerate, and continue to move forward until
you can see the vehicle that you are passing in your rearview mirror; and - Before returning to the lane in which you were originally driving, use the
appropriate turn signal.
Passing Other Vehicles
It is dangerous and illegal to try to pass other vehicles in the following situations:
- A solid yellow line is marked on the driver’s side of the center line of the
road. - A yellow, pennant-shaped “No Passing Zone” sign is posted on the lefthand
side of the road, or a white rectangular “Do Not Pass” sign is posted
on the right-hand side of the road. - When you are driving on or approaching a curve in the road.
- When you are approaching the crest of a hill or grade in the road.
- Within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct or
tunnel.
When Passing Other Vehicles is Prohibited
If another vehicle is passing you on the left-hand side of the road, allow the other vehicle to pass safely, and do not increase your speed.
When You are Being Passed
The first rule for a safe and legal turn is to move into the proper lane well before the turn. To turn left, be in the far left lane for your direction of travel. To turn right, be in the far right lane for your direction of travel.
Rules for Safe and Legal Turning
You must give a proper turn signal at least 200 feet before turning or changing lanes. If the speed limit is 50 miles per hour or more, you must give a proper turn signal at least 300 feet before turning or changing lanes.
The safest type of signal is using the lighted signals used in most vehicles. If, however, one or more of these signals is malfunctioning, you may use hand signals. You may not use hand signals on a driving skills test.
Signaling Your Intention to Turn
Busy roads on which there are many places a vehicle may make a left turn often have a center lane designated solely for left-turning vehicles. Always be aware that vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may be entering the center lane to turn left in front of your vehicle. Never use this type of center lane for passing other vehicles.
Designated center lanes for left turns can usually be identified by a sign with alternate directional arrows stating “CENTER LANE ONLY” or with pavement arrows, although some center lanes do not have signs or pavement arrows.
Turning Left from Specially-Designated Center Lanes
A U-turn is a maneuver in which a driver changes direction by making a 180-degree turn. It is potentially dangerous and should only be undertaken when absolutely necessary. Follow these rules when making a U-turn:
- Always yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.
- Never make a U-turn on a curve in the road or when approaching the crest of a hill or grade.
- Never make a U-turn on an interstate highway. Instead, proceed to the next exit and re-enter the highway in the opposite direction.
U-Turns
The rules for a four-way stop are like those for a two-way stop: Stop and look for oncoming traffic, and proceed when it is safe to do so. At a four- way stop, the rule is that the first vehicle to stop at the intersection is the first to
proceed through the intersection. However, you may occasionally arrive at a four-way stop sign at the same time as another driver. In such cases the driver
to the right has the right of way. However, if there is any doubt who has the right of way or if there is the chance of a crash, it is better to yield the right of way to the other driver.
Four-way Stops
A roundabout is a circular intersection in which traffic enters or exits only through right turns and proceeds in a counter-clockwise direction. A roundabout incoming traffic always yields to the circulating traffic.
Roundabouts
When following a driver who has signaled his or her intention to make a turn, or who has slowed down and may be looking to make a turn, you should slow down, and be prepared to stop.
Following Turning Vehicles
