Signs, signals and pavement markings
The yellow center line right next to your lane is broken rather than solid. What does that tell you?
- You may pass when it is safe to do so. Correct answer
- Traffic on both sides of it is moving in your direction.
- Your lane is about to end, so get ready to merge or exit.
Why
Yellow marks the center of a road with traffic in both directions, and when the yellow line beside your lane is broken, the handbook allows you to pass, as long as it is safe. Lanes going the same way are separated by white lines instead: broken white lines divide the lanes wherever a road has two or more of them heading one way. A lane that is ending is usually shown with large broken lines, and you should also look for a sign telling you to exit or merge. Even where the broken yellow line allows a pass, do not start one unless you have enough space to get back into your lane.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is You may pass when it is safe to do so.
- Section 6. Navigating the Roads › Traffic Lanes › Lane Markings › Broken Yellow Line, page 13
- Section 6. Navigating the Roads › Traffic Lanes › Lane Markings › Single Solid Yellow Line, page 13
- Section 6. Navigating the Roads › Traffic Lanes › Lane Markings › Broken White Lines, page 14
- Section 6. Navigating the Roads › Traffic Lanes › Lane Markings › End of Lane Markings, page 14
- Section 6. Navigating the Roads › Passing, page 24
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
- 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?
- In the middle of a two-way street, a lane is bordered on each side by a broken line on the inside and a solid line on the outside. What may you use it for?
- A green arrow lets you make a protected turn. What makes the turn protected?