New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsEasy

You are driving on a two-way street and need to make a left turn at an intersection. There is a solid double yellow line separating your lane from oncoming traffic. What action should you take?

  1. AYou must wait for a broken yellow line or a designated turning lane before making your left turn.
  2. BYou may cross the solid double yellow line to begin your turn as long as there is no oncoming traffic.
  3. CYou can cross the solid double yellow line to turn left if the intersection is controlled by a traffic officer.
  4. DYou may only make the left turn if there is a green arrow signal for your direction.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. You must wait for a broken yellow line or a designated turning lane before making your left turn.

A solid double yellow line indicates that passing or crossing is prohibited from either direction. To make a left turn, you must find a section with a broken yellow line or a specific turning lane.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Crossing a solid double yellow line is generally prohibited, even for turns, unless specifically allowed by law or road markings.
  • C. A traffic officer's direction overrides traffic signals and signs, but a solid double yellow line still indicates a restriction unless the officer explicitly directs you to cross it, which is not the standard procedure for a left turn.
  • D. While a green arrow is ideal, it doesn't change the rule against crossing a solid double yellow line if no turn lane is present.

Solid Double Yellow Line

A pair of solid yellow lines separating opposing traffic lanes, indicating that no crossing or passing is allowed from either direction.

  • Prohibits passing in both directions.
  • Prohibits crossing for turns, unless specifically marked otherwise (e.g., dedicated turn lane).
  • Used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

Memory trick: Double Trouble, Don't Cross The Middle!

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