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 solid line closer to your lane. What does this marking indicate?
- AYou are approaching a dedicated exit lane and must merge right.
- BYou may change lanes if it is safe to do so.
- CLane changes are prohibited for traffic in both directions.
- DLane changes are prohibited for traffic in your lane, but permitted for traffic in the adjacent lane.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Lane changes are prohibited for traffic in your lane, but permitted for traffic in the adjacent lane.
White lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. A solid white line prohibits lane changes for traffic next to it. A broken white line permits lane changes. If the solid white line is on your side (closer to your lane), you are prohibited from changing lanes, while traffic in the adjacent lane (next to the broken line) may change lanes.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An exit lane would typically have specific signage and possibly broader solid white lines leading to the exit, but the combined solid/broken white lines have a distinct meaning for lane changes.
- B. This would be indicated by a broken white line on your side.
- C. This would be indicated by solid double white lines.
Solid & Broken White Lines (Solid on Your Side)
A pavement marking where a solid white line is paired with a broken white line, with the solid line closer to your lane, indicating that lane changes are prohibited for traffic in your lane, but permitted for traffic in the adjacent lane.
- White lines separate same-direction traffic.
- Solid line on your side means NO lane change for you.
- Broken line on adjacent side means lane change IS allowed for them.
- Used to manage traffic flow, often near exits or HOV lanes.
Memory trick: White lines: Solid blocks, Broken lets you cross.