Lane markings, lane use and special lanes

Key points

1. Solid white lines separate same direction lanes with different uses and discourage lane changes; broken white lines allow safe lane changes.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-11

   “Solid white lines painted on the roadway separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction that have different uses. They also discourage changing lanes. Broken white lines simply indicate multiple lanes going in the same direction and they allow safe lane changes.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-11

2. At a stop sign or signal, stop behind the stop line or crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-11

   “At a stop sign or traffic signal, you must stop behind the stop line or crosswalk.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-11

3. In general, pass on the left; passing on the right is dangerous because other drivers do not expect it.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-9

   “In general, you should pass on the left. Passing on the right can be dangerous because other drivers don't expect it.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-9

4. On three lane sections of the Maine Turnpike or I-95, trucks other than pickups may use only the 2 right lanes.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-9

   “On any section of the Maine Turnpike or Interstate-95 that consists of three lanes in either direction, trucks, including truck tractors, but excluding pickup trucks may only operate in the two farthest right-hand lanes.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-9

5. When you turn, turn into the lane closest to the lane you came from.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-10

   “Turn into the lane that is closest to the lane from which you came.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-10

6. A shared center left turn lane is only for left turns, from either direction, not for passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-7

   “This sign marks a lane that is only for left turning vehicles. It is not for through traffic or for passing other vehicles. Traffic travelling in either direction may use this lane.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-7

7. Over a reversible lane, a green arrow means you can use the lane and a red X means you cannot.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-12

   “A green arrow means you can use the lane. A red X means you cannot use the lane.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-12

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Maine practice test

1. 1. What do solid white lines generally separate on the roadway?

   1. A vehicle lane and a railroad track
   2. Opposing traffic lanes where passing is always allowed
   3. Traffic lanes moving in the same direction with different uses
   4. Only lanes reserved for emergency vehicles
   Show answer

   Traffic lanes moving in the same direction with different uses. Solid white lines separate lanes traveling in the same direction when those lanes have different uses. They also discourage changing lanes, so the marking deserves more caution than a broken white line. Yellow markings divide opposing directions, which makes the choice “Opposing traffic lanes where passing is always allowed” a color and function mix-up. The marking does not identify a railroad track or an emergency-only lane by itself. Before crossing a white line, confirm that the lane change is allowed, signal, check mirrors and the blind spot, and move only with adequate space.

2. 2. What is a shared center lane bordered by yellow lines intended for?

   1. Straight-through travel during heavy traffic
   2. Passing slower vehicles in either direction
   3. Left turns by traffic traveling in either direction
   4. Stopping for short-term roadside parking
   Show answer

   Left turns by traffic traveling in either direction. The shared center lane is a turning space, not a travel lane for moving straight or passing. Vehicles from either direction may enter it when preparing for a left turn, after checking mirrors, traffic ahead, and the blind spot. Using it as a shortcut through congestion can place opposing drivers into the same narrow area. Signal before moving into the lane, wait for a clear opening, and complete the left turn rather than continuing down the center.

3. 3. What does a green arrow above a reversible lane permit you to do?

   1. Enter the lane only to park temporarily
   2. Use that lane during the time the arrow is displayed
   3. Use the lane against the indicated direction of travel
   4. Treat the lane as closed until a red X appears
   Show answer

   Use that lane during the time the arrow is displayed. A reversible lane changes its permitted direction at certain times, so the overhead signal controls whether entry is allowed. The green arrow authorizes use of that lane, while a red X means the lane cannot be used. Parking is not the purpose of the control, and a driver should never travel against the direction shown by the lane arrangement. Before entering, check the overhead display and the surrounding markings so you know which lanes are available at that moment.

Source: the Maine Driver's License Manual, Section 6: Rules of the Road. 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.