Freeways, lane changes and passing

Key points

1. When merging, do not merge into traffic until the solid white line has ended.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “Do not merge into traffic until the solid white line has ended.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 14

2. On metered ramps, stop and wait for a green light to enter the freeway.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “On metered ramps, you must stop and wait to be released on a green light to enter the freeway.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 14

3. Signal at least 200 feet before you change lanes, and avoid frequent lane changes.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “Signal at least 200 feet before you change lanes, avoid frequent lane changes.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 14

4. You may pass on the right only on one way streets and roads with 2 or more lanes each way.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “You are only allowed to pass on the right on one way streets and on roadways with two or more lanes of travel in each direction.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 15

5. Return to your lane once you see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “When you can see both headlights of the vehicle you passed in the rearview mirror, change one lane to get back into your previous lane.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 15

6. Do not pass if you cannot return before coming within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “Do not pass: If you cannot safely return to the right-hand side before coming within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 15

7. It is illegal to pass within 100 feet of any intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “the following behaviors are illegal when passing: Pass in any marked no-passing zones. Exceed the posted speed limit when passing. Pass a school bus with flashing red lights and its stop arm extended. Pass within 100 feet of any intersection.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 16

8. It is illegal to pass in a marked no passing zone or to exceed the posted speed limit when passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “the following behaviors are illegal when passing: Pass in any marked no-passing zones. Exceed the posted speed limit when passing. Pass a school bus with flashing red lights and its stop arm extended. Pass within 100 feet of any intersection.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 16

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Colorado practice test

1. 1. If a solid yellow line is on your side and a broken yellow line is on the other side, may you pass?

   1. No, but you may use the shoulder to get around the vehicle
   2. Yes, if you accelerate before the broken line ends
   3. Yes, because either side may cross a solid yellow line
   4. No, you may not pass from the side with the solid line
   Show answer

   No, you may not pass from the side with the solid line. With solid and broken yellow lines together, the line on your side controls your movement. A solid line on your side means passing is prohibited. The driver on the broken-line side may pass when it is safe and must return before that broken line becomes solid. Accelerating does not cancel the restriction, and crossing the shoulder is not a lawful substitute for passing. Check the pavement beside your vehicle, not just the line beside the other traffic, before deciding whether a pass is allowed.

2. 2. With solid and broken yellow lines, when may a driver pass?

   1. Only after crossing both lines and using the shoulder
   2. Whenever the solid yellow line is on the driver's side
   3. When the broken yellow line is on the driver's side and the maneuver is safe
   4. At any time before the broken lines become solid
   Show answer

   When the broken yellow line is on the driver's side and the maneuver is safe. For a solid-and-broken yellow combination, the line on your side controls. A driver may pass when the broken line is on that side and the maneuver is safe. If the solid line is on your side, passing is prohibited. The driver must also return before the broken lines become solid, so beginning a pass is not permission to remain in the opposing lane. Check visibility, traffic, and available space before crossing, then complete the maneuver within the marked window.

3. 3. What does a broken white lane line mean?

   1. Traffic on each side moves in opposite directions
   2. Passing is forbidden in both directions
   3. You may change lanes if it is safe
   4. Only emergency vehicles may cross it
   Show answer

   You may change lanes if it is safe. White lane lines divide traffic moving in the same direction, and a broken white line allows a lane change when the move is safe. It is not the same as double solid yellow lines, which control passing between opposing directions. Before crossing the broken white line, check ahead, mirrors, blind spot, and whether another driver would have to slow for you.

Source: the Colorado Driver Handbook, Freeway Driving, Changing Lanes and Passing. 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.