California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Traffic Signs and SignalsMedium
You are driving on a multi-lane road and see a solid white line separating your lane from the lane next to it. What does a solid white line indicate?
- ALane changes are prohibited in this area.
- BYou may change lanes if the way is clear.
- CThis lane is for exiting traffic only.
- DLane changes are discouraged but permitted with extreme caution.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Lane changes are prohibited in this area.
A solid white line indicates that lane changes are discouraged or prohibited. It is used to separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction where lane changes are potentially dangerous or to delineate the edge of a travel lane.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A broken white line allows lane changes if safe.
- C. An exit-only lane is typically marked with specific signage and may have a solid white line, but the line itself prohibits crossing.
- D. Solid white lines generally mean 'do not cross' or 'do not change lanes'.
Solid White Line
A pavement marking separating lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
- Discourages or prohibits lane changes.
- Used where changing lanes is dangerous.
- Also marks edge of roadway.
Memory trick: White lines tell you where to stay, solid means no, broken means okay.