Pavement markings and turning lanes

Key points

1. Yellow center lines mean two way traffic flowing in both directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “Yellow center lines indicate that there is two-way traffic, flowing in both directions.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 45

2. With a broken yellow line beside a solid one, you may pass only if the broken line is on your side and the road ahead is clear.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “If the broken yellow line is on your side, you may pass when the roadway ahead is clear. If the solid yellow line is on your side, you may not pass.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 45

3. Double solid yellow lines mean no passing in either direction; cross them only to turn left.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “Double solid yellow lines mean that passing is not allowed in either direction. You may not cross the lines unless you are turning left.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 45

4. Broken white lines separate same direction lanes and may be crossed with caution.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “Broken white lines separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction. These lines may be crossed with caution.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 45

5. A solid white right edge line should be crossed only in an emergency or to avoid a hazard.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “Only cross the solid line on the right edge of the roadway in case of emergency or to avoid a road hazard.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 46

6. Crossing a double solid white line is prohibited.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “A double solid white line separates two lanes of traffic going in the same direction. Crossing a double solid white line is prohibited.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 46

7. Reversible lanes are usually marked by double dashed yellow lines.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “These lanes are usually marked by double-dashed yellow lines.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 46

8. A two way left turn lane is only for vehicles turning left in either direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “This lane is only for use of vehicles turning left in either direction.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 48

9. For a left turn on a two way road, approach in the lane just right of the center line.

   Source: Handbook p. 47

   “On a two-way road, approach the turn with your car in the lane just to the right of the center line.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 47

10. A left turn on red is allowed only from a one way road onto a one way road, after stopping and yielding.

    Source: Handbook p. 47

    “This is the only left turn situation where, unless signs prohibit it, you may make the turn against a red light after stopping and yielding to traffic and pedestrians.”
    Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 47

3 questions from the Arizona practice test

1. 1. When a broken yellow line is beside a solid yellow line, when may you pass?

   1. Only after crossing both yellow lines
   2. Whenever the solid line is on your side
   3. In either direction whenever traffic is light
   4. Only when the broken line is on your side and the road ahead is clear
   Show answer

   Only when the broken line is on your side and the road ahead is clear. A paired broken and solid yellow line gives permission based on which marking is beside your lane. Passing is permitted in one direction when the broken line is on your side and the roadway ahead is clear. A solid line on your side prohibits the pass, regardless of light traffic. Before moving left, confirm the broken marking, check for oncoming vehicles, and return only when the maneuver can be completed safely.

2. 2. What do double solid yellow center lines mean?

   1. Passing is allowed for traffic traveling north only
   2. Passing is not allowed in either direction, though a left turn may cross
   3. They separate lanes moving in the same direction
   4. They mark a parking lane beside the curb
   Show answer

   Passing is not allowed in either direction, though a left turn may cross. Double solid yellow lines prohibit passing in either direction. The manual allows crossing them for a left turn, but that limited exception does not turn the centerline into a passing area. The lines separate opposing traffic, not same-direction lanes, and they do not designate curbside parking. Treat the paired solid lines as a strong warning to remain behind slower traffic. Wait for a lawful passing area rather than crossing simply because the opposite lane looks open.

3. 3. What is a two-way left turn lane intended for?

   1. Passing slower traffic through the center of the road
   2. Driving straight until the next intersection
   3. Vehicles turning left in either direction
   4. Accelerating to merge with through traffic
   Show answer

   Vehicles turning left in either direction. A center lane bordered by yellow lines and marked for two-way left turns is reserved for vehicles preparing to turn left from either direction. The manual specifically excludes passing, through traffic, and accelerating to merge from that lane. Enter it only after signaling, move completely into the lane, and remain alert for another driver approaching from the opposite side. Use it to slow and organize the turn, then leave it for the intended destination.

Source: the Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Section 3: Roadway and Vehicle Knowledge. 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.