Signs, signals and pavement markings
On a two-way road with only one lane going your direction, a single solid yellow line runs along your side of the center. May you pass the slow vehicle ahead?
- No, you may not pass it there. Correct answer
- Yes, if the next hill or curve is at least one-third of a mile ahead.
- Yes, as long as you can see that no oncoming traffic is near.
Why
A lone solid yellow line runs down the middle of a two-way road, and which side it sits on matters. With just one lane in your direction and the solid line on your side, the handbook tells you not to pass the vehicle in front of you. One-third of a mile is a real figure, but it answers a different question: where passing is allowed, a hill or curve should be at least that far ahead for the pass to be safe. It does not override the marking, and neither does a clear view of oncoming traffic. Compare a broken yellow line next to your lane, which does let you pass when it is safe.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is No, you may not pass it there.
The rule behind this one
California road signs, signals and pavement markings goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on signs, signals and pavement markings
- A single set of double solid yellow lines separates your side of a two-way street from oncoming traffic. When may you cross them?
- The yellow center line right next to your lane is broken rather than solid. What does that tell you?
- You see a shared roadway bicycle marking painted in your travel lane. What does it tell you?
- Looking only at the pavement, how can you recognize a carpool (HOV) lane?