Lines, crosswalks and special lanes

Key points

1. A broken yellow line means passing is permitted.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “Yellow lines: Separate traffic moving in opposite directions. Broken yellow line: Passing is permitted.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9

2. Double solid yellow lines mean neither side can pass, unless passing a bicyclist with three feet of space when the oncoming lane is clear.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “Double solid yellow lines: Neither side can pass, unless to pass a bicyclist with a minimum of three feet of space when the oncoming travel lane is clear.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9

3. With solid and broken yellow lines, do not pass if the solid line is on your side.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “You may not pass if the solid yellow line is on your side. If the broken yellow line is on your side, you may pass if it is safe to do so.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9

4. You may cross a solid yellow line to turn left into an alley, private road or driveway.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “You may cross a solid yellow line for a left turn into an alley, private road or driveway”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9

5. A broken white line means you may change lanes if safe. A solid white line means stay in your lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “Broken white line: You may change lanes if it is safe. Solid white line: Requires you to stay within the lane and also marks the shoulder of the roadway.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9

6. Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Stop behind it.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “Whenever you approach a vehicle from the rear that is stopped at a crosswalk, you must not pass and must stop behind the vehicle”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9

7. Drivers may not drive, idle or park in a bike lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 10

   “drivers are prohibited from driving, idling or parking in or otherwise obstructing a bike lane.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 10

8. A two way left turn lane is only for left turns, and may not be used for passing or travel.

   Source: Handbook p. 10

   “It shall not be used for passing or travel by a driver except to make a left turn.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 10

9. HOV lanes are marked with a white diamond painted on the road.

   Source: Handbook p. 10

   “These lanes are identified by a white diamond painted on the roadway.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 10

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Colorado practice test

1. 1. When may a driver cross a solid yellow line in Colorado?

   1. Only to change lanes on a freeway
   2. Whenever the driver wants to pass a slower car
   3. For a left turn into an alley, private road, or driveway, or to pass a bicyclist safely
   4. Never, including for a driveway or bicyclist
   Show answer

   For a left turn into an alley, private road, or driveway, or to pass a bicyclist safely. Solid yellow lines normally prohibit passing, but Colorado allows a driver to cross one for a left turn into an alley, private road, or driveway. The handbook also allows crossing to pass a bicyclist when the movement is safe and at least three feet of space can be maintained. That is not a general license to overtake cars. Check the oncoming lane, keep the required clearance from a bicyclist, and return to the proper lane without creating a conflict.

2. 2. When the broken yellow line is on your side of a solid and broken pair, when may you pass?

   1. When it is safe to do so
   2. Never, under any roadway condition
   3. Only after crossing the solid line first
   4. Only while following a school bus
   Show answer

   When it is safe to do so. A solid and broken yellow pair assigns a different rule to each side of the roadway. If the broken line is beside your lane, passing is allowed when the maneuver is safe, and you must return before your broken line becomes solid. The opposite arrangement, with the solid line on your side, prohibits passing. Crossing the solid marking first reverses the intended rule, while a school bus offers no permission to pass. Confirm clear sight distance, oncoming traffic, and a safe return path before starting.

3. 3. A shared center turn lane may be used for which movement?

   1. Parking while waiting for a green light
   2. Passing slower traffic straight ahead
   3. Continuous travel through the intersection
   4. Left turns in either direction
   Show answer

   Left turns in either direction. The shared center lane is reserved for vehicles preparing to turn left from either direction. It may provide a place to wait until the turn can be completed, but it is not a through lane and cannot be used to pass. Parking there or using it as a shortcut through an intersection blocks the turning space and surprises opposing drivers. Enter only for the left-turn movement, check for traffic and pedestrians, and leave the center lane as soon as the turn is safely completed.

Source: the Colorado Driver Handbook, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls. 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.