California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Traffic Signs and SignalsHard
You are driving on a multi-lane road. You notice a solid yellow line immediately next to a broken yellow line on your left. What does this pavement marking indicate?
- APassing is permitted for traffic on both sides of the lines.
- BPassing is permitted only for traffic on the side of the broken line, but not for traffic on the side of the solid line.
- CPassing is prohibited for traffic on both sides of the lines.
- DYou are in a dedicated turn lane and must prepare to turn.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Passing is permitted only for traffic on the side of the broken line, but not for traffic on the side of the solid line.
A combination of solid and broken yellow lines means that passing is allowed for traffic on the side of the broken line, but not for traffic on the side of the solid line. In this scenario, since the solid line is on your side, you cannot pass.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. If passing were permitted for both, there would be two broken yellow lines.
- C. If passing were prohibited for both, there would be two solid yellow lines.
- D. Dedicated turn lanes have different markings, often a combination of solid and broken yellow lines, but also specific arrow markings and often a different width.
Solid Yellow Next to Broken Yellow Line
A pavement marking consisting of a solid yellow line paired with a broken yellow line, indicating that passing is permitted only for traffic on the side of the broken line.
- Solid line side: No passing.
- Broken line side: Passing allowed when safe.
- Common on two-lane roads where passing is restricted in one direction.
Memory trick: Broken line means freedom to pass, solid line means stay in your class.