Lanes

What is the purpose of a single solid yellow line?

It marks the center of the road with two-way traffic.

When can you cross double solid yellow lines?

If you’re in a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV)/carpool lane that has a designated entrance on the left, instructed by signs to drive on the other side of the lane (usually when your side is blocked/closed), or turning left across a single set of them to enter/exit a driveway/private road/make a U-turn.

What does it mean when double solid yellow lines are spaced two or more feet apart, and what can you do?

They signify a barrier. You can’t drive on/over this barrier, but you can make a left turn or U-turn across it (unless there’s a designated opening).

What can you do when there’s a broken yellow line?

You can pass (if it’s next to your driving lane).

What does a single solid white line mean?

It marks traffic lanes going in the same direction (including one way streets).

What does it mean when there are double solid white lines, and what can you do?

They indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and preferential use lane (ex: traffic vs HOV lane) and can also appear in/near freeway on/off ramps. Never change lanes over them.

What do broken white lines indicate?

They indicate separate lanes going in the same direction.

How are lanes (typically) marked as ending?

They’re usually marked with large broken lines (generally indicates an upcoming exit/the lane ending).

What does a yield line look like?

Solid white line of triangles pointing towards approaching vehicles (shows them where to yield/stop)

Match each lane number with its correct definition.

Lane Number 1: Left/fast/passing lane

Lane Number 2: Lane to to the right of #1

Lane Number 3: Lane to the right of #2 (etc)

Who does the HOV/carpool lane apply to? How do you enter/exit the HOV lane?

The HOV/carpool lane applies to carpools, buses, motorcycles, or DMV-approved low-emission vehicles. Don’t cross over double solid lines to enter/exit the HOV lane (use designated entrances/exits).

Where are center left turn lanes located, how are they marked, what are they used for, and how far can you drive in one?

They’re located in the middle of a two-way street, are marked on both sides by 2 painted lines (inner line is broken and outer line is solid), and are used to prepare for/make a left/U turn. You can only drive 200 ft in this lane (not a regular traffic/passing lane).

What is the purpose of turnout areas/lanes, and are they optional?

You merge onto them to let cars behind you pass. They’re optional if there are less than 5 cars behind you.

What do bicycle lanes look like, where are they, and when can you drive on them?

They run alongside vehicle traffic, are sometimes green, sometimes use buffers (w/chevrons/diagonal markings), and are marked with a single solid white line that turns into a dash-line near intersections. They can be used by cars if parking, entering/leaving the road, or turning (within 200 ft of an intersection).

What should you do before changing lanes?

Signal, check your mirrors, check your blind spots, and check behind, beside, and in front of you. It’s unnecessary to slow down to change lanes. Stay in one lane as much as possible (no swimming).