Lines and pavement markings

Key points

1. A single broken white line separates same direction lanes, and you may cross it.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Separates lanes where all traffic is going in the same direction, and crossing from one lane to the other is permitted.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 24

2. A single broken yellow center line on a 2 lane road means passing with care is allowed either way.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “passing with care is permitted in either direction. Used as the center line on 2-lane, 2-way roads.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 24

3. A single solid white line marks the right edge, or separates same direction lanes where changing lanes is discouraged.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Marks the right edge of the road. Also separates lanes where all vehicles are going in the same direction, but lane changing is discouraged.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 24

4. Double solid white lines mean you may not change lanes.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Separates lanes where all traffic is going in the same direction and you are not allowed to change lanes.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 24

5. Double solid yellow lines forbid passing both ways, but you may cross them to make a left turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “passing is not allowed in either direction. You may make a left turn across a double solid yellow line.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 24

6. With a solid and a broken yellow line, only traffic on the broken line side may pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Allowed for traffic on the side of the broken line. Not allowed for traffic on the side of the solid line.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 24

7. Yellow pavement markings should never be on your right side. They belong on your left.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Yellow pavement markings should never be on your right side. They should always be on your left side.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

8. Yield lines are rows of small triangles showing where you must yield.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “Rows of small triangles across the lane that show where a vehicle must yield to other vehicles or pedestrians.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 25

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Maryland practice test

1. 1. What do double solid yellow lines mean on a Maryland two-way road?

   1. Passing is permitted for traffic traveling in either direction
   2. Passing is prohibited in both directions
   3. Only trucks may cross to pass
   4. The lane is reserved for bicycles
   Show answer

   Passing is prohibited in both directions. Double solid yellow lines separate opposing traffic where passing is not allowed in either direction. They do not mean the roadway is closed, and they do not create a special truck or bicycle lane. A left turn across the lines can still be allowed, such as turning into a driveway, but crossing to overtake another vehicle is barred. Treat the paired solid lines as a no-passing message and wait for a lawful opening rather than entering opposing traffic.

2. 2. What does a single solid white line separating same-direction lanes indicate?

   1. Passing is allowed only by crossing into opposing traffic
   2. Traffic on the other side travels toward you
   3. A lane change is required immediately
   4. Lane changing is discouraged
   Show answer

   Lane changing is discouraged. A single solid white line separates lanes moving in the same direction and discourages changing lanes. It is guidance to remain in the lane unless a safe, lawful maneuver requires otherwise. Yellow center-line rules apply to opposing traffic, so the oncoming-traffic choice describes the wrong marking. The line does not command an immediate lane change, and it does not authorize crossing into an opposing lane. The cue is white means same direction, while solid means treat the lane boundary as a reason to stay put.

3. 3. If the broken yellow line is on your side of a solid yellow line, when may you pass?

   1. When passing is careful and the road ahead is clear
   2. Never, because any solid yellow line forbids both directions
   3. Only after moving onto the shoulder first
   4. Whenever the vehicle ahead is traveling below the speed limit
   Show answer

   When passing is careful and the road ahead is clear. A solid yellow line paired with a broken yellow line permits passing only for traffic on the broken-line side, and the maneuver must still be careful. The solid-line side may not pass. A solid line somewhere in the pair therefore does not forbid both directions, and using the shoulder is not a substitute for a legal passing lane. Being below the speed limit does not by itself make passing safe or lawful. The cue is to identify which side carries the broken line before considering a pass.

Source: the Maryland Driver's Manual, Section 4: Signs, Signals 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.