Lane Markings

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