- Driving School
Lane Markings
![Lane Markings](https://devnew.northwestdrivingschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Lane-Markings-1.jpg)
Solid white lines are used to mark:
- Right edge of the road
- Shoulders
- Bicycle lanes
- Stop lines
- Crosswalks
It is against the law to cross a solid white line when entering or exiting the highway.
Dotted white lines are used to mark:
- Separate lanes of travel in the same direction
- Double dotted white lines indicate a turn only lane
Solid yellow lines are used to mark:
- Separate lanes of travel in opposite directions
- It is against the law to cross a solid yellow line to pass another vehicle
Center turn lanes are used for:
- Making a left turn from one street onto another street
- You may not travel more than 200 feet in a center turn lane before making a left turn
- You may not travel more than 50 feet after turning into the center turn lane before merging into traffic.
Lane usage:
City:
- Right lane is used for any slower traffic and making right turns
- Left lane is used for traffic moving at the speed limit or as a passing lane
- Center lane is the safest because it gives you multiple escape routes
Highway:
- Right lane is used for slower moving traffic and vehicles that want to exit the highway
- Left lane is used for faster moving traffic or as a passing lane
- Center lane is the safest because it gives you multiple escape routes
- HOV lane can be used when the vehicle has 2 or more people in it
- Express lane is used when a vehicle will not be exiting the highway at certain exits.
Author: Rich Heinrich
Master Instructor, Emeritus