California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Traffic Signs and SignalsMedium
You are driving on a multi-lane road and observe a solid yellow line immediately next to a broken yellow line. Which statement accurately describes the meaning of these pavement markings if the broken yellow line is on your side?
- AYou may not pass, but oncoming traffic may pass if it is safe.
- BYou may pass if it is safe to do so, but oncoming traffic cannot pass.
- CNeither you nor oncoming traffic may pass.
- DBoth you and oncoming traffic may pass if it is safe.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. You may pass if it is safe to do so, but oncoming traffic cannot pass.
When a solid yellow line is next to a broken yellow line, passing is permitted only for traffic traveling next to the broken line, if safe. Therefore, if the broken line is on your side, you may pass, but oncoming traffic, which is next to the solid line, cannot.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect; the broken yellow line on your side means you *can* pass.
- C. Incorrect; the broken yellow line permits passing for traffic on that side.
- D. Incorrect; the solid yellow line prohibits passing for traffic on its side.
Solid Yellow Next to Broken Yellow Line
These pavement markings indicate that passing is permitted for drivers on the side with the broken yellow line, but prohibited for drivers on the side with the solid yellow line.
- Broken line = passing allowed for that direction.
- Solid line = passing prohibited for that direction.
- Always yield to oncoming traffic when passing.
Memory trick: Broken is open, Solid is shut.