Line Markings / Road Surface Markings

Broken White Line

• These appear between lanes traveling in one direction.
• You may cross these lines to change lanes if it is safe to do so.

Solid White Line

• You should not cross this line to change lanes unless necessary and safe to do so.
• In some states, it is illegal to cross a solid white line; in California, it is legal to do so.
• Only cross a solid white line if it is safe to do so; solid white lines are meant to discourage you from changing lanes.

Broken Yellow Line

• Appear in the center of roads with two-way traffic.
• Passing is permitted when the broken yellow line appears on your side of the roadway.
• You should only pass when it is safe to do so.

Solid Yellow Line

• Appears in the center of roads with two-way traffic.
• You may not cross a solid yellow line to pass another vehicle.
• Double solid yellow lines mean that vehicles in both directions are prohibited from passing. You can cross over a double solid yellow line to make left turn at an intersection, to enter or exit a road or a driveway, or to make a U-turn, if it can be made safely and is not otherwise prohibited.

Two Sets of Solid Double Yellow Lines

• These lines symbolize a solid wall that you cannot cross.
• You may not cross these lines to pass, make turns or U-turns.
• You should only cross at marked openings in these lines

Two Sets of Yellow Lines (Inner Lines Broken)

• Appear in the center of some roadways
• Mark a center left turn lane only for drivers turning left at that point in the road

White Arrows

• Tell drivers which direction the lane will be traveling (turn, exit, merge)
• Choose the lane that matches your intended travel path