Lane markings and special lanes

Key points

1. A single solid yellow line marks the center of a two-way road.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “A single solid yellow line marks the center of a road with two-way traffic.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 13

2. Do not pass over double solid yellow lines.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “Double Solid Yellow Lines Do not pass over double solid yellow lines.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 13

3. Two sets of double yellow lines 2 or more feet apart are a barrier. Do not drive over it or turn across it except at openings.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart are considered a barrier. Do not drive on or over this barrier, make a left turn, or make a U-turn across it, except at designated openings.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 13

4. A broken yellow line next to your lane means you may pass when it is safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “A broken yellow line indicates you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane. Only pass when it is safe.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 13

5. Never change lanes over double solid white lines.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “Never change lanes over double solid white lines.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 14

6. You may drive only 200 feet in the center left turn lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “You may only drive for 200 feet in the center left turn lane.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 16

7. On a two-lane road where passing is unsafe, use a turnout if five or more vehicles are following you.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “You must use a turnout area or lane to let other vehicles pass when you are driving slowly on a two-lane road, where passing is unsafe, and there are five or more vehicles following you.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 16

8. You may drive in a bike lane only to park where permitted, to enter or leave the road, or to turn within 200 feet of an intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “It is illegal to drive in a bicycle lane unless you are: • Parking (where permitted). • Entering or leaving the road. • Turning (within 200 feet of an intersection).”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 17

9. The left, or fast, lane is called the Number 1 Lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “The left (or fast) lane is called the Number 1 Lane.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 15

Numbers to know

3 questions from the California practice test

1. 1. What are two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart?

   1. A passing lane for faster traffic
   2. A barrier you must not drive over except at designated openings
   3. A center left turn lane for 200 feet
   4. A shoulder marking for disabled vehicles
   Show answer

   A barrier you must not drive over except at designated openings. Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced at least two feet apart are treated as a barrier. They are not a center left turn lane, which has a broken inner line and a solid outer line on both sides. The cue is two separate double-yellow pairs with space between them. Do not drive on or across that area, and do not make a left turn or U-turn across it except at a marked opening.

2. 2. How close behind another vehicle must you dim high-beam headlights?

   1. Within 50 feet
   2. Within 300 feet
   3. Only after the other driver signals
   4. Only when passing begins
   Show answer

   Within 300 feet. Dim high beams when you are within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following. Light can reach the driver through mirrors, so being behind rather than in front does not remove the glare problem. Do not wait for a complaint or for a passing maneuver to begin. Watch the gap ahead at night and switch to low beams as you approach the following-distance threshold.

3. 3. How is a California center left turn lane marked?

   1. By a single solid white line on each side
   2. By two painted lines on each side, the inner line broken and the outer line solid
   3. By a broken white line on each side
   4. By double solid yellow lines on each side
   Show answer

   By two painted lines on each side, the inner line broken and the outer line solid. A center left turn lane sits in the middle of a two-way street and is marked on both sides by two painted lines: the inner line is broken and the outer line is solid. The broken inner line lets vehicles from either direction enter to prepare for a left turn or U-turn, while the solid outer line separates it from the through lanes. Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart mean a barrier, not a turn lane.

Source: the California Driver's Handbook, Section 6: Navigating the Roads. 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.