Pavement markings

Key points

1. Yellow centerlines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Yellow centerlines are used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

2. A single broken yellow line may be crossed to pass when it is safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “You must drive to the right of this centerline but when it is safe you may cross this line to pass another vehicle.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

3. You may cross double solid yellow lines only to turn left into or from an alley, private road or driveway.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “You may cross these lines ONLY TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO OR FROM AN ALLEY, PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

4. A single dashed white lane line may be crossed when you can do so safely.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Single Dashed White Lane Lines may be crossed when you can do so safely.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

5. Cross a single solid white line only in unusual circumstances and with great care.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “You may cross a solid white line ONLY IN UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND THEN ONLY WITH GREAT CARE.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

6. You must not cross a double solid white line.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Double Solid White Lines indicate that movement from lane to lane is prohibited. You MUST NOT CROSS A DOUBLE SOLID WHITE LINE.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 35

7. Red pavement markings or reflectors mark a road you must not enter.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Red Pavement Markings or reflectors indicate a roadway that must not be entered or used.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 35

8. Stop lines show the exact place to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “Stop Lines are solid white lines painted across the traffic lanes at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks indicating the exact place at which to stop.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36

9. A two way left turn lane is for left turns only and must never be used for passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “which may be used by vehicles travelling in either direction for left turn maneuvers ONLY. The lane must NEVER be used for passing.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36

3 questions from the Hawaii practice test

1. 1. What do double solid yellow centerlines generally mean?

   1. Passing is required in both directions
   2. Passing is prohibited in both directions
   3. Only trucks may cross them
   4. They separate lanes traveling the same direction
   Show answer

   Passing is prohibited in both directions. Double solid yellow lines mark the center of a roadway where passing is prohibited in both directions. They are not same-direction lane dividers, and they do not create a special passing privilege for trucks. The restriction still allows a narrowly defined crossing for a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway. Read the centerline before attempting a maneuver, and distinguish a permitted turn crossing from an unlawful pass.

2. 2. What does a double solid white line mean for changing lanes?

   1. You may cross whenever traffic is light
   2. You must not cross it
   3. You must cross it before turning right
   4. It marks opposing traffic lanes
   Show answer

   You must not cross it. Double solid white lines prohibit movement from one lane to another. A light traffic condition does not cancel the marking, and the lines do not separate opposing directions because white lane lines divide traffic moving the same way. A driver approaching this marking should remain in the assigned lane and wait for a lawful opening beyond the restriction. The visual cue is the paired solid white barrier, which is stronger than a single dashed lane line.

3. 3. What does a single broken yellow centerline allow when the road is clear?

   1. Treating the road as one-way traffic
   2. Driving on the line until the next intersection
   3. Passing without checking for opposing traffic
   4. Crossing to pass another vehicle when it is safe
   Show answer

   Crossing to pass another vehicle when it is safe. A single broken yellow line marks the center of a two-lane road and separates opposing directions. You must normally drive to its right, but you may cross it to pass another vehicle when the maneuver is safe. The line is not a lane to occupy, and its broken pattern does not remove the need to check for oncoming traffic, sight distance and other restrictions. It also does not make the road one-way. A broken yellow centerline is therefore a conditional passing cue: clear visibility and a safe gap are required before moving left.

Source: the Hawaii Driver's Manual, Chapter VI: Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings. 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.