New York DMV Permit Written TestRoad SignsMedium
You are driving on a multi-lane highway and observe a white pavement marking consisting of a solid white line and a broken white line running parallel to each other, with the broken line closer to your lane. What does this pavement marking indicate?
- AYou may change lanes if the broken line is on your side, but not if the solid line is.
- BYou must not change lanes at this location.
- CYou are in a dedicated turn lane and must turn in the direction of the arrow.
- DYou are approaching a railroad crossing and should prepare to stop.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. You may change lanes if the broken line is on your side, but not if the solid line is.
When white lines separate lanes, a broken line on your side means you may change lanes if safe. A solid line on your side means you should not change lanes. The combination allows changing lanes only from the side with the broken line.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is incorrect; lane changes are permitted from the side with the broken line.
- C. This is incorrect; turn lanes are indicated by arrows and often have solid lines on both sides.
- D. This is incorrect; railroad crossings are indicated by specific signs and pavement markings (e.g., 'X' and 'RR').
Solid/Broken White Line Markings
Parallel solid and broken white lines indicate that lane changes are permitted from the side of the broken line but prohibited from the side of the solid line.
- White lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
- Broken line: lane change permitted if safe.
- Solid line: lane change discouraged or prohibited.
Memory trick: White lines keep you right, broken lets you switch, solid keeps you tight.