California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Rules of the Road and Right-of-WayMedium

You are driving on a two-lane road and want to pass a slower vehicle. There is a solid yellow line on your side of the road and a broken yellow line on the opposite side. What does this mean?

  1. ANo passing is allowed for traffic in either direction.
  2. BYou may pass only if the vehicle ahead is traveling below the minimum speed limit.
  3. CYou may pass if it is safe, but oncoming traffic is prohibited from passing.
  4. DYou are prohibited from passing, but oncoming traffic may pass if safe.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. You are prohibited from passing, but oncoming traffic may pass if safe.

A solid yellow line on your side indicates that passing is prohibited for vehicles in your lane. A broken yellow line on the opposite side means that oncoming traffic may pass if it is safe to do so.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This is incorrect; the broken yellow line on the opposite side allows oncoming traffic to pass.
  • B. The speed of the vehicle ahead does not override a solid yellow line prohibition.
  • C. This is incorrect; a solid yellow line on your side means you cannot pass.

Solid Yellow Line (Your Side)

A solid yellow line on your side of the roadway indicates that passing is prohibited for vehicles traveling in your direction.

  • No passing for your lane
  • May be accompanied by a broken line on the other side
  • Safety is primary concern

Memory trick: Solid on your side, no ride!

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