Signs, signals and pavement markings
A single solid line separates your lane from the lane next to it. When may you pass or change lanes across it?
- Only when an obstruction or the traffic conditions make it necessary. Correct answer
- Whenever you can do it safely without interfering with traffic.
- Never; a single solid line may not be crossed at all.
Why
One solid line does allow passing and lane changes, but only when you need to: when something in the road or the traffic conditions make it necessary. That is the difference from a single broken line, where you may pass or change lanes whenever it is safe and you will not interfere with traffic. It is also different from double solid lines, which forbid passing and lane changes altogether and can be crossed only to turn left into or out of the highway. So the solid line is a middle step: crossing is possible, but it has to be justified, which places it between the broken line, where safety alone is enough, and the double solid lines, where no pass is allowed at all.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is Only when an obstruction or the traffic conditions make it necessary.
More on signs, signals and pavement markings
- 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?
- Your traffic light is green, but a traffic officer standing in the intersection signals you to stop. What must you do?
- Ahead of you is a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with black symbols. What kind of sign is it?
- On a highway you notice a blue sign with white symbols. What is it most likely telling you?