Pavement Markings and Lane Use

Key points

1. A solid white line along the side marks the outer edge of the roadway.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “A solid white line along the side of the roadway that tells the driver where the outer edge is located.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 31

2. A dashed white line means you may cross to change lanes when safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “A dashed white line between lanes of traffic indicates a driver may cross the line to change lanes, when safe.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 31

3. A solid double yellow line means no passing either way.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “The double yellow line in the center of the roadway means passing is prohibited for vehicles traveling in either direction.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 31

4. You may cross a solid yellow line to turn into a driveway if no opposing traffic is coming.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “A driver may cross a solid yellow line to turn into a driveway if there is no opposing traffic approaching the planned turn site.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 31

5. You may not use the center left turn lane as an acceleration lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “it is not permissible to use the center left turn lane as an acceleration lane.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 32

6. Never back up in a travel lane; if you miss your exit, go on to a safe turnaround.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Never back a vehicle in any travel lane, it is illegal and unsafe. If you miss your turn or exit, do not back up; proceed to a safe turnaround area.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 32

7. On roads with 3 or more lanes your way, stay right except to pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “On a road with three or more lanes traveling in the same direction remain in the right lane except to pass.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 32

8. Do not drive in the left lane of a multilane highway except in listed cases, such as when passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “a vehicle shall not be driven upon the left lane of a multilane highway, EXCEPT as follows: (1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing that movement.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 63

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Arkansas practice test

1. 1. What does a dashed white line between lanes of traffic indicate?

   1. The lane is reserved for emergency vehicles
   2. Passing is prohibited in both directions
   3. You may cross it to change lanes when safe
   4. Traffic on the other side travels toward you
   Show answer

   You may cross it to change lanes when safe. A dashed white line separates lanes moving in the same direction and indicates that a driver may cross it to change lanes when the movement is safe. It does not mark opposing traffic, which is identified by yellow markings. It also does not create an emergency-only lane or ban every lane change. Before crossing, check mirrors and blind spots, signal, and confirm that the destination lane has enough space. The word dashed is the visual cue: white plus broken means same-direction lanes with a permitted change when conditions allow.

2. 2. When may a driver cross a solid yellow line to turn into a driveway?

   1. Whenever the driver is traveling below the speed limit
   2. Whenever the driver wants to pass a slower vehicle
   3. When no opposing traffic is approaching the planned turn site
   4. When entering a lane used for parked vehicles
   Show answer

   When no opposing traffic is approaching the planned turn site. Arkansas allows a driver to cross a solid yellow line for a driveway turn only when no opposing traffic is approaching the planned turn site. The rule is a narrow exception to the double yellow passing prohibition, not a general license to pass. Traveling below the speed limit does not make passing lawful, and a parked-vehicle lane is not the stated purpose. Before turning, check the opposing lane and the driveway entrance, signal clearly, and cross only when that approach is clear.

3. 3. A center lane with left-turn arrows facing both directions is intended for:

   1. Accelerating before merging into a through lane
   2. Driving straight through to pass slower vehicles
   3. Parking while waiting for a passenger
   4. Making left turns for traffic traveling in either direction
   Show answer

   Making left turns for traffic traveling in either direction. A shared center lane is reserved for left turns and can serve vehicles traveling in either direction. Its opposing arrows show that drivers from both approaches may use the space for that maneuver, so it is not a through lane or a parking area. Arkansas also says the center left-turn lane may not be used as an acceleration lane. Before entering, check for an opposing turner and keep the movement limited to the intended turn.

Source: the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Chapter 3: Lanes of Traffic. 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.