Pavement markings

Key points

1. Centerlines are yellow on two lane highways and white on multi lane highways and one way streets.

   Source: Handbook p. 52

   “centerlines are to be painted yellow on two lane highways and white on multi-lane highways and one way streets.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 52

2. If the solid yellow line is on your side of the centerline, you may not pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 52

   “If the solid yellow line is on your side of the centerline, you may not pass.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 52

3. Two solid yellow lines mean no passing in either direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 52

   “If passing is not allowed for traffic in both directions, the broken line will be replaced by two solid yellow lines.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 52

4. Broken white lines divide lanes going the same way and may be crossed when passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 52

   “the lanes are divided by broken white lines. These broken lines may be crossed when passing.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 52

5. A normal solid white line means crossing is discouraged.

   Source: Handbook p. 52

   “A normal solid white line is used to delineate the edge of a travel lane where travel in the same direction is permitted on both sides of the line but crossing the line is discouraged.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 52

6. Crossing double solid white lines is prohibited.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “but crossing the double lines is prohibited.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 53

7. Stop at any crosswalk occupied by pedestrians when there are no controlling signals.

   Source: Handbook p. 53

   “A driver must stop at all crosswalks which are occupied by pedestrians if there are no controlling signals.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 53

3 questions from the Alabama practice test

1. 1. What color should the centerline be on an Alabama two-lane highway?

   1. Yellow
   2. White
   3. Blue
   4. Orange
   Show answer

   Yellow. Alabama uses yellow centerlines on two-lane highways because the line separates traffic moving in opposite directions. White markings divide lanes that move the same way or identify certain edges and crossings. The white choice confuses a centerline with a same-direction lane divider. Blue is associated with special services or access markings, and orange generally warns of temporary work conditions, so neither describes the ordinary opposing-traffic separator. When reading pavement, first determine whether vehicles travel toward or alongside one another, then interpret the line color in that context.

2. 2. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the centerline indicate?

   1. Passing is required before the next intersection
   2. Passing is permitted only at night
   3. Only trucks may cross the line
   4. You may not pass
   Show answer

   You may not pass. A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means you may not pass. The line marks a restriction based on visibility, roadway shape, or another hazard, so crossing it to overtake would ignore the intended protection. The broken-line choice is not offered here, but remember that broken lines identify areas where passing may be allowed when safe. Time of day does not change the restriction, and vehicle type does not create an exception for trucks. Read the line nearest your lane before considering any passing maneuver.

3. 3. A normal solid white line along a travel lane means crossing it is generally:

   1. Discouraged, even though travel in the same direction is allowed on both sides
   2. Required before every intersection
   3. Required to enter opposing traffic
   4. Freely permitted for passing at any speed
   Show answer

   Discouraged, even though travel in the same direction is allowed on both sides. A normal solid white line separates travel that is moving in the same direction, but crossing that line is discouraged. It is not a command to change lanes, and it does not separate opposing traffic. The free-passing choice overlooks the caution attached to the solid marking. Treat the stripe as a boundary that should remain intact unless a necessary, careful maneuver is justified. Before moving across it, check mirrors, signal, and make sure the adjacent lane is clear.

Source: the Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 5: Signs, Signals and Road Markings. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.