Lanes & Markings Flashcards
Single Solid Yellow Line
Marks the center of a two-way road
Double solid yellow lines
Do not pass over double solid yellow lines. Stay to the right of these lines unless you are:
- in a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lane that has a designated entrance on the left
- instructed by construction or other signs to drive on the other side of the road because your side is closed or blocked
- turning left across a single set of double yellow lines to enter or exit a driveway or private road or make a U-turn.
Broken yellow line
Indicates that you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane. Only pass when it is safe.
Single solid white line
Marks traffic lanes going in the same direction, including one-way streets.
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 freeway on and off ramps. Never change lanes over double solid white lines. Wait until you see a single broken white line.
Broken white lines
Separate traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction
End of lane markings
Ending freeway and street lanes are usually marked with large broken lines. If you are driving in a lane marked with broken lines, be prepared to exit the freeway or for the lane to end. Look for a sign that tells you to exit or merge.
Yield line
A line of solid white triangles showing where to yield or stop, pointing towards approaching vehicles.
Choosing a lane
Traffic lanes are often referred to by number, starting with one from left to right. The left lane is also known as the fast lane. Use the left lane to turn pass or turn left, and the right lane to enter or exit traffic.
Changing lanes
Before changing lanes
- signal
- check your mirrors
- check traffic behind and beside you
- look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move to make sure the lane is clear
- check your blind spots for other vehicles, mototcyclists, and bicyclists. Do not let the vehicle drift to another lane.
- be sure there is enough space for your vehicle in the next lane. It is not necessary to slow down before a lane change.
Passing lane
On a multilane road, the passing lane (far left lane) is the lane closest to the center divider and is used to pass other vehicles.
Carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes
A special lane used reserved for carpools, buses, motorcycles, or low-emission vehicles with decals. To use this lane, one of these must apply:
- you have a certain number of people in your vehicle. Signs at the on-ramp or along the road state the minimum number of people. Road signs also list the hours when HOV rules apply.
- you are driving a low or zero emission vehicle. You must display a special DMV-issued decal.
- you are riding a motorcycle (unless otherwise posted)
The road surface of a HOV lane is marked with a diamond symbol and the words Carpool Lane. Do not cross over double solid white lines to enter or exit an HOV lane. Use designated entrances and exits.
Center left turn lanes
Located in the middle of a two-way street, marked on both sides by two painted lines. The inner line is broken and the outer line is solid. Use this lane to prepare for and make a left turn or a U-turn.
It is not a regular traffic or passing lane. You may only drive for 200 feet in the center left turn lane.
To turn left in this lane:
- look for other vehicles coming towards you in the center left turn lane
- signal
- look over your shoulder and check your blind spots
- merge completely into the lane so you do not block traffic
- turn when it is safe.
Turnout areas/lanes
Some two-lane roads have special turnout areas or lanes. You must merge into these to allow cars behind you to pass when you are driving slowly on a two-lane road, where passing is unsafe, and there are five or more vehicles following you.
Bicycle lanes
Running alongside vehicle traffic and for bicyclists only, they are typically marked by a single solid white line and signs. They are sometime painted bright green and it is illegal to drive in them unless you are parking (where permitted), entering or leaving the road, or turning (within 200 feet of an intersection).
