Passing, backing up and parking

Key points

1. Return to the right side before coming within 100 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “You must return to the right side of the road before coming within 100 feet of an oncoming vehicle.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

2. Do not pass where a solid yellow line is on your side. Double solid yellow lines mean no passing either way.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “where there is a solid yellow line on your side of the center line. Double solid yellow lines mean no passing is allowed in either direction.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

3. Do not pass on a curve or hill where you cannot see at least 700 feet ahead.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “On a curve or hill where you cannot clearly see the road ahead for at least 700 feet.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

4. Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, underpass, tunnel or railroad crossing.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Within 100 feet of an intersection, underpass, tunnel or railroad crossing.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

5. Never pass on the right by driving in a bike lane, on the shoulder or off the pavement.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Do not pass by driving in a bicycle lane, on the shoulder, or off the pavement or main part of the road.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

6. Backing up is not allowed on freeways or expressways except for emergency vehicles on duty.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Backing up is not allowed on freeways or expressways, except for emergency vehicles on duty.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

7. When parallel parked, your wheels must be no more than 12 inches from the curb.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “your vehicle's wheels closest to the side of the road should be no more than 12 inches from the curb.”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 35

8. No parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection or 30 feet of a flashing light, stop sign or signal.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection Within 30 feet of any flashing light, stop sign or traffic control signal on the side of a public road”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 35

9. No parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing or 10 feet of a fire hydrant.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant”
   Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 35

10. Parked facing downhill, turn your wheels toward the curb or shoulder.

    Source: Handbook p. 36

    “When the front of a parked vehicle points downhill, wheels should be turned toward the curb or shoulder of the road.”
    Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Minnesota practice test

1. 1. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the center line require?

   1. You may pass whenever the road ahead looks clear
   2. You must not pass across that line
   3. You may use the line as a temporary parking boundary
   4. Only trucks are prohibited from crossing it
   Show answer

   You must not pass across that line. A solid yellow line separates opposing traffic and prohibits passing from the side where it appears. The choice “You may pass whenever the road ahead looks clear” is tempting because a clear view can make passing seem safe, but visibility does not override a no-passing marking. Yellow dashes have a different meaning, so do not confuse a broken line with the solid one beside your lane. Check the pavement before beginning a pass, especially on a two-lane road where crossing the center line places you among oncoming vehicles. The practical cue is solid yellow means stay behind, while yellow dashes may permit passing.

2. 2. What does a double solid yellow center line prohibit?

   1. Turning into a driveway at any time
   2. Passing from either direction
   3. Driving during daylight hours
   4. Using the lane on the right
   Show answer

   Passing from either direction. Double solid yellow lines separate opposing traffic and prohibit passing regardless of which side of the roadway you occupy. The marking is not a general ban on driving, and it does not mean that every turn into a driveway is automatically forbidden. It specifically removes passing as an option for both directions. Watch for a permitted turn location and obey any additional signs or markings before crossing the center area. The visual cue is two continuous yellow lines, which means opposing traffic is separated and neither direction may cross to overtake.

3. 3. What restriction accompanies a solid yellow centerline beside your lane?

   1. Passing is prohibited in that direction
   2. Passing is required before the next intersection
   3. Traffic may cross it whenever the road is empty
   4. The lane is reserved for emergency vehicles
   Show answer

   Passing is prohibited in that direction. A solid yellow line marks a no-passing condition for the traffic beside it. The restriction applies even when the driver sees no immediate opposing vehicle, because the marking reflects limited sight distance or another roadway hazard. Crossing it to pass is illegal, so an empty-looking road does not create an exception. The emergency-vehicle choice confuses a centerline with a special-use lane. When the yellow line is solid on your side, stay behind the slower vehicle until a lawful passing opportunity is indicated.

Source: the Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 3: Traffic laws and vehicle operation. 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.