Pavement markings

Key points

1. A single solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway.

   Source: Handbook p. 43

   “Single solid white line. Marks the right edge of the roadway.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 43

2. A single solid yellow line marks the left edge on divided highways and one-way streets.

   Source: Handbook p. 43

   “Single solid yellow line. Marks the left edge of the roadway on divided highways and one-way streets.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 43

3. Double solid white lines mean crossing or changing lanes is not allowed.

   Source: Handbook p. 43

   “Double solid white lines. Crossing a double solid line/ changing lanes is not allowed.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 43

4. You may cross a single broken yellow line to pass only when it is safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 43

   “Single broken yellow line. Stay to the right of the line. You may cross this line to pass a car ahead of you only when it is safe to do so.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 43

5. Traffic in either direction must not cross double solid yellow lines, except to turn left or pass a bicyclist when safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “Double solid yellow lines. Vehicles moving in either direction must not pass/ cross these lines. (May turn left or pass a bicyclist when it is safe to do so).”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 44

6. If the solid line is on your side and the broken line on the other, passing is not allowed in your lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “solid on right (“your side” of line), broken on left. Passing is not allowed in this lane.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 44

7. Stop before any part of your vehicle crosses the stop line.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “You must stop your vehicle before any part of it crosses the line before the crosswalk.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 45

8. A center lane on a two-way road is for left turns from either direction, never for passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “Two-way roadway with center lane: drivers from either direction may use the center lane for left turns; you must not use for passing.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 45

9. It is illegal to park in or drive through areas marked as fire lanes or safety zones.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “It's illegal to park in or drive through areas with pavement markings indicating fire lanes or safety zones.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 46

3 questions from the Florida practice test

1. 1. What does a double-sided solid yellow line in the center of the highway mean?

   1. Passing is prohibited for traffic in both directions
   2. Only trucks may cross the line to pass
   3. The center line marks a lane reserved for bicycles
   4. Passing is permitted whenever the road looks clear
   Show answer

   Passing is prohibited for traffic in both directions. A solid yellow line on both sides of the centerline marks a place where passing is not allowed. The restriction applies in both directions, so a clear-looking roadway does not create an exception. The truck choice invents a vehicle class exemption, and the bicycle-lane choice confuses a centerline with a lane designation. Before changing position, read the pavement marking on your side and the surrounding roadway. A double solid yellow line is a firm cue to stay in lane unless another lawful movement applies, such as a permitted turn.

2. 2. What does a double yellow line that is solid on your side and broken on the other side mean?

   1. Passing is required before the next intersection
   2. Passing is not allowed in your lane
   3. Passing is allowed in your lane whenever you choose
   4. The line separates lanes traveling in the same direction
   Show answer

   Passing is not allowed in your lane. Florida describes a double yellow marking that is solid on your side and broken on the other as a lane where passing is not allowed. The broken line gives permission only to traffic on the opposite side when its conditions are safe. Passing whenever you choose ignores the solid line beside your vehicle, and the marking separates opposing directions rather than same-direction lanes. Identify which side of the center marking is broken before considering a pass. A solid line on your side means remain behind the vehicle ahead.

3. 3. What is the purpose of a two-way center lane marked for left turns?

   1. Left turns from either direction
   2. Parking during a traffic stop
   3. Passing slower vehicles straight ahead
   4. Traveling straight until the next signal
   Show answer

   Left turns from either direction. A two-way center lane is shared by traffic from both directions for left turns. It is not a travel lane for driving straight through, a passing lane, or a parking strip. Because opposing drivers may enter it for the same purpose, use the lane only as needed to prepare for a left turn, check carefully for other vehicles, and yield before joining the destination lane. Do not remain in it longer than the turning maneuver requires.

Source: the Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Traffic 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.