Texas Driver's License Knowledge TestTraffic Signs and SignalsMedium
A driver is traveling on a road with two lanes in the same direction. They notice a broken white line separating the two lanes. What does this pavement marking indicate?
- APassing is prohibited in both directions.
- BLane changes are permitted when safe to do so.
- CThe lane is designated for high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) only.
- DDrivers should not change lanes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Lane changes are permitted when safe to do so.
Broken white lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. They indicate that drivers may change lanes when it is safe to do so, unlike solid white lines which discourage or prohibit lane changes.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Broken white lines permit lane changes, not prohibit passing (which is usually indicated by yellow lines).
- C. HOV lanes are typically marked with a diamond symbol on the pavement, not just a broken white line.
- D. Solid white lines indicate discouraging or prohibiting lane changes, not broken ones.
Broken White Line
Pavement marking consisting of short white segments with gaps, separating lanes of traffic moving in the same direction and indicating that lane changes are permitted when safe.
- Separates traffic moving in the same direction.
- Allows lane changes.
- Contrasts with solid white lines, which restrict lane changes.
Memory trick: Broken white, you can switch right.