Signs, signals and pavement markings
The center of a two-way road is marked with double solid lines. You want to turn left into a driveway on the other side. What does the manual say?
- You may cross the lines to turn left into the driveway. Correct answer
- You may not cross double solid lines for any reason.
- You may cross them to turn left, and also to pass a slow vehicle when the road is clear.
Why
Double solid lines forbid passing and changing lanes. They are not, however, a wall: the manual lets you cross them to turn left when you are entering or leaving the highway, for example to reach or leave a driveway, or to make a U-turn where U-turns are allowed. That makes the absolute answer wrong. The third answer goes too far the other way, because passing across double solid lines is exactly what they prohibit, however clear the road looks. Compare the single broken line, which lets you pass or change lanes when it is safe and you do not interfere with traffic. What the double lines take away is passing and lane changes; a left turn into or out of a driveway, or a U-turn where one is allowed, is still yours to make.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is You may cross the lines to turn left into the driveway.
More on signs, signals and pavement markings
- A solid white edge line marks where the travel lane ends and the shoulder begins. When may you drive across it?
- A solid line and a broken line run side by side between you and oncoming traffic. The broken line is on your side. What does this allow?
- A single solid line separates your lane from the lane next to it. When may you pass or change lanes across it?
- On a city street, a lane marked with a diamond symbol is reserved for buses and high-occupancy vehicles. Your car does not qualify. Where the solid line beside it becomes a broken line, when may you enter that lane?