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. The broken white line is on your side, closer to your vehicle. What does this marking indicate?
- AYou must not change lanes at this point.
- BYou are approaching an exit lane, and merging is prohibited.
- CYou are in a carpool lane, and passing is restricted.
- DYou may change lanes if it is safe to do so.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. You may change lanes if it is safe to do so.
When a pavement marking consists of a solid white line and a broken white line running parallel, and the broken line is on your side, it means you may cross the line to change lanes if it is safe. The solid line restricts traffic on the other side from changing lanes.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A solid white line on your side would prohibit lane changes.
- B. Approaching an exit lane might involve solid white lines, but the broken line on your side indicates permissibility to change lanes.
- C. Carpool lanes are typically marked with a diamond symbol and may have specific rules, but this line set doesn't solely define them.
Solid & Broken White Lines (Broken on Your Side)
A pavement marking where a solid white line runs parallel to a broken white line. If the broken line is closer to your lane, you are permitted to change lanes when safe.
- Broken line on your side: Lane change permitted
- Solid line on your side: Lane change prohibited
- Separates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction
Memory trick: Broken is free, solid is stuck, white lines same way, yellow is luck.