1Traffic Lanes, Markings, and Turns: Essential Road Rules and Signs

Traffic Lanes

Section of road used by a single row of moving vehicles.

Lane Markings

Painted guides that help organize road use and indicate traffic rules.

Solid Yellow Line

Divider for two-way roads; no passing when it's on your side.

Double Yellow Lines

Barrier that must not be crossed except under certain legal exceptions.

Broken Yellow Line

Indicates permission to pass when safe, if next to your lane.

Solid White Line

Marks lanes moving in the same direction, discouraging lane changes.

Double White Lines

Separates regular lanes from special ones like carpool; do not cross.

Broken White Lines

Separates lanes traveling in the same direction; lane changes allowed.

Lane End Markings

Large dashed lines that show the lane is ending soon.

Yield Line

Row of white triangles pointing toward approaching vehicles, indicating to slow or stop.

Lane Numbers

Labels for traffic lanes; far left is 1, count increases rightward.

Passing Lane

Leftmost area on multilane roads, typically used to overtake vehicles.

Carpool Lane

Reserved for multiple-occupant vehicles, motorcycles, or special-permit cars.

Turn Lane Center

Designated middle area for preparing a left or U-turn on two-way streets.

Turnouts

Areas for slow drivers to let others pass on narrow roads.

Bike Lane

Designated space next to traffic, sometimes green, only for cyclists.

Buffered Bike Lane

Includes markings to provide extra space between cyclists and traffic.

Bike Route

Shared street with markings or signs guiding two-wheel commuters.

Separated Bikeway

Cyclist-only path protected by posts, parking, or curbs.

Shared Markings

Street symbols that alert vehicles to expect and share space with bikes.

Right Turn

Executed close to the edge; check blind spots and signal early.

Left Turn

Made from the innermost lane or turn area, yielding to oncoming flow.

Turn on Red

Permitted after stopping unless signs say otherwise.

Red Arrow Right

Means no movement in that direction until light changes.

Bus Lane Turn

May be crossed only to make a legal maneuver like turning.

Dedicated Turn Lane

Allows movement in a specific direction, often with its own light.

U-Turn

Full directional reversal when allowed and safe to perform.

Prohibited U-Turn

Illegal in business areas, near fire stations, or on one-way roads.

T-Intersection Turn

From a one-way into a two-way; yielding is required.

Limit Line

Thick white bar that shows where to stop at intersections.