Pavement markings

Key points

1. A broken yellow center line means you may pass on the left when the way ahead is clear.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “A broken yellow line indicates that passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 44

2. With a broken and a solid yellow line, you may pass only on the side of the broken line.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “A broken yellow line alongside a solid yellow line indicates that passing is permitted on the side of the broken line, but not on the side of the solid line.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 44

3. Double solid yellow lines mean no passing in either direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 44

   “Passing is not allowed in either direction.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 44

4. A shared center left turn lane may only be used to turn left, never to pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “Motorists entering this lane should use caution and may only turn left. Using this lane to pass is prohibited.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 45

5. Broken white lines between lanes going the same direction may be crossed with care.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “going in the same direction, and may be crossed with care.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 45

6. A lane marked with a curved arrow and ONLY means you must turn that way.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “When a lane is marked with a curved arrow and the word ONLY, you must turn in the direction of the arrow.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 45

7. Stop lines in urban areas are usually about 4 feet before a crosswalk; stop at the line when there is one.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “In urban areas, the line is usually located about four feet before a crosswalk. Drivers must stop at the line (when present), not at the stop sign”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 46

8. It is illegal to drive in a bike lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “Bike lanes are designed to separate bicycle traffic from motorized vehicle traffic. It is illegal to drive in these lanes.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 46

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Nebraska practice test

1. 1. What do double solid yellow lines generally mean?

   1. Only trucks may cross to pass
   2. Passing is allowed for traffic on both sides
   3. Passing is not allowed in either direction
   4. The road is one way
   Show answer

   Passing is not allowed in either direction. Double solid yellow lines separate opposing traffic and prohibit passing in either direction. Nebraska lists limited lawful crossings, such as making a left turn or avoiding an obstruction, when turning into or from an alley, private road, or driveway and not otherwise prohibited by signs. That exception does not turn the centerline into a passing lane. The two solid lines are the visual cue to stay out of the opposing stream. Wait for a marked condition that permits a different movement rather than overtaking there.

2. 2. With a broken yellow line beside a solid yellow line, which side may pass?

   1. The side next to the broken line
   2. Neither side under any circumstance
   3. Only the side next to the solid line
   4. Both sides whenever traffic is light
   Show answer

   The side next to the broken line. A paired yellow centerline gives different instructions to the two directions of travel. Passing is permitted for traffic beside the broken line when the way ahead is clear, while traffic beside the solid line must not pass. The rule is conditional, so a clear line of sight does not erase other hazards or the need to judge oncoming traffic. The distractor that allows passing beside the solid stripe reverses the marking's meaning. Identify the line nearest your lane before beginning any passing maneuver, then check speed, space, and visibility.

3. 3. What do broken white lane lines separate on a Nebraska roadway?

   1. A railroad track from the nearest travel lane
   2. Opposing traffic that must never cross
   3. Lanes of traffic moving in the same direction that may be crossed with care
   4. A shoulder that may be used as a regular lane
   Show answer

   Lanes of traffic moving in the same direction that may be crossed with care. Broken white lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, and a driver may cross them with care. First check mirrors, signal, inspect the blind spot, and confirm the movement will not conflict with another vehicle. The line does not mark opposing traffic, railroad tracks, or permission to use the shoulder as a normal lane. A solid white line also separates same direction lanes, but it is used to discourage lane changes near intersections or at turn lanes. Treat the broken line as conditional permission, not an instruction to move immediately.

Source: the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 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.