Lane lines and pavement markings

Key points

1. Lines separating traffic moving the same direction are white; lines separating opposite directions are yellow.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Lines separating lanes of traffic moving in the same direction are white. Lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions are yellow.”
   Montana Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

2. A dashed white line may be crossed to change lanes when it is safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “A dashed white line between lanes of traffic means that you may cross it to change lanes if it is safe to do so.”
   Montana Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

3. A dashed yellow line between opposing lanes may be crossed to pass if it is safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “A dashed yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic means that you may cross it to pass if it is safe to do so.”
   Montana Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

4. With a solid and a dashed yellow line, you may not pass if the solid line is on your side.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Where there is both a solid and a dashed yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, you may not pass if the solid yellow line is on your side.”
   Montana Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

5. Two solid yellow lines mean neither side can pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Two solid lines between opposing lanes of traffic means neither side can pass.”
   Montana Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

6. You may cross a solid yellow line to turn into a parking lot, driveway or road when safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “You may cross a solid yellow line to turn into a public or private parking lot, private driveway, or a roadway if it is safe to do so.”
   Montana Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

7. Reversible lanes: a green arrow means use the lane, a red X means do not, and a flashing yellow X means turns only.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “A green arrow means you can use the lane beneath it; a red “X” means that you may not. A flashing yellow “X” means the lane is only for turning.”
   Montana Driver Manual, Handbook p. 35

8. HOV lanes are for vehicles with more than one person. HOV 3 means at least 3 people in the vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “For example, “HOV 3” means that there must be at least three people in the vehicle.”
   Montana Driver Manual, Handbook p. 35

9. A shared center lane is only for left turns or permitted U turns by traffic from both directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “These center lanes are reserved for making left turns (or U-turns when they are permitted), but can be used by vehicles traveling in both directions.”
   Montana Driver Manual, Handbook p. 35

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Montana practice test

1. 1. What does a double solid yellow centerline mean for passing?

   1. Both directions may pass when visibility is good
   2. Only traffic traveling uphill may pass
   3. Neither direction may pass across the lines
   4. Passing is allowed if the horn is used
   Show answer

   Neither direction may pass across the lines. Two solid yellow lines separate opposing traffic where passing is restricted for both directions. Montana permits crossing a solid yellow line for a left-turn maneuver, and its lane-marking guidance also allows a safe turn into certain lots, driveways, or roadways. That exception is not permission to overtake. Good visibility and a horn do not change the marking. Read the entire lane pattern before deciding whether a turn, rather than a pass, is allowed.

2. 2. If a solid yellow line is on a driver's side and a dashed yellow line is on the other side, may that driver pass?

   1. Yes, because any dashed yellow line permits both directions to pass
   2. No, the solid line on that side bars crossing to pass
   3. Yes, but only by using the shoulder
   4. No, because all yellow lines prohibit every left turn
   Show answer

   No, the solid line on that side bars crossing to pass. A paired solid and dashed yellow centerline assigns the restriction by side. A driver beside the solid line may not cross it to pass, while traffic beside the dashed line may pass when safe. The presence of a dashed line on the opposite side does not authorize both directions. The shoulder is not a legal passing lane, and the rule is about overtaking, not a blanket ban on every left turn. Identify the line immediately next to your vehicle before deciding. Solid on your side means stay behind until a lawful opportunity appears.

3. 3. What is the purpose of a shared center lane marked with alternating left-turn arrows?

   1. Left turns, and permitted U-turns, for traffic in either direction
   2. Passing slower vehicles in either direction
   3. Straight travel through the intersection
   4. Parking while waiting for a turn
   Show answer

   Left turns, and permitted U-turns, for traffic in either direction. The shared center lane is a two-way turning space, not a travel lane for overtaking or cruising. Montana reserves it for left turns and for U-turns where those turns are permitted. The alternating arrows show that drivers from both directions may use the lane, so enter carefully and yield to an opposing user already there. Do not treat the center lane as a shortcut for straight travel or as temporary parking.

Source: the Montana Driver Manual, Chapter 3: 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.