Center lines, lane lines and crosswalks

Key points

1. A single broken yellow line on a two lane road may be crossed to turn or pass when safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “You must drive to the right of the centerline. When it is safe, you may cross this line to turn or pass another vehicle.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 34

2. You may cross double solid yellow lines to make a turn, but not to pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “You may not cross these lines to pass. You may cross these lines to make a turn.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 34

3. A single solid yellow line on a two lane road marks a no passing zone.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “A No Passing Line is a single solid yellow line used on two-lane roads to indicate zones where passing is prohibited.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 34

4. Travel in the right lane unless turning left, passing or when right lanes are congested.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Louisiana law states that all vehicles should travel in the right hand lane unless, preparing for a left turn, passing another vehicle or when right hand lanes are congested.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 35

5. A single solid white line means moving from lane to lane is hazardous.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Single Solid White lines indicate movement from lane to lane is hazardous.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 35

6. Red raised pavement markers mean you are going against traffic. Do not enter.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Red Raised Pavement Marking or reflectors indicate going against the direction of travel. This is a roadway that must not be entered.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 35

7. Two way left turn lanes are for left turns only, never for travel or passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “For left turn maneuvers ONLY. The lane must NEVER be used for travel or passing.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 36

8. Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way. You must stop for them.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “When pedestrians are in these crosswalks, they have the right of way over motor vehicles. You must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 36

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Louisiana practice test

1. 1. When may a driver cross a single broken yellow centerline on a two-lane road?

   1. When it is safe to turn or pass another vehicle
   2. Only after stopping and waiting for a green signal
   3. Whenever the driver wants to use the opposite lane
   4. Never, because all yellow lines prohibit crossing
   Show answer

   When it is safe to turn or pass another vehicle. A single broken yellow line divides opposing traffic on a two-lane road, and the driver must remain to its right during ordinary travel. The line may be crossed for a turn or to pass another vehicle when the maneuver is safe. The claim that every yellow line forbids crossing ignores the distinction between broken and solid markings. Check sight distance, oncoming traffic, and nearby hazards before moving across the centerline.

2. 2. How may you cross double solid yellow center lines?

   1. The lines separate lanes traveling in the same direction
   2. Passing is required whenever the road ahead is open
   3. Only trucks may cross to overtake
   4. Passing across the lines is prohibited, but a turn may cross them
   Show answer

   Passing across the lines is prohibited, but a turn may cross them. Double solid yellow lines mark the center of a roadway with four or more lanes and prohibit crossing to pass. The manual allows crossing them for a turn, which is narrower than general permission to overtake. The lines do not require passing, grant a special privilege to trucks, or separate same-direction lanes. Use the color and pattern as a cue: yellow divides opposing traffic, and two solid lines mean stay put unless the movement is a lawful turn.

3. 3. What does a single solid white lane line indicate?

   1. The two lanes carry opposing traffic
   2. Moving from one lane to another is hazardous
   3. A lane change is required immediately
   4. The roadway edge is always on the left
   Show answer

   Moving from one lane to another is hazardous. A single solid white line separates lanes moving in the same direction and warns that changing lanes is hazardous. It does not indicate opposing traffic, which is separated by yellow center lines. It also does not command an immediate lane change. A white edge line is usually along the right edge, so the left-edge statement is not a general definition of this marking. If a lane change is necessary, wait for a safe opening and cross the solid line only with great care.

Source: the Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Chapter 3: Signs, Traffic Lights, and Pavement 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.