Pavement markings

Key points

1. White lines separate lanes moving the same direction; yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “White lines mean these lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction. Yellow lines mean the lanes of traffic are moving in the opposite direction.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

2. You may pass over broken lines when it is safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Driver may pass other vehicles over broken (dotted) lines when it is safe to do so.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

3. A solid white line prohibits changing lanes or passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Solid White Lines: Drivers are prohibited from changing lanes or to pass another vehicle.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

4. With double lines, do not pass if the line on your side is solid; you may pass when the broken line is on your side.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Drivers must not pass if the line on the driver's side is solid. If the line on the driver's side is broken (dotted), they may pass when safe to do so.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

5. A yellow edge line marks the left edge of a one way road; white edge lines mark two way roads and right edges.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “The line is white on two-way roads and on the right edges of one-way roads. The line is yellow on the left edges of one-way roads.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

6. If there is no stop line but there is a crosswalk, stop before the crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “If there is no white stop line but only a crosswalk present, then drivers must stop before the crosswalk.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

7. Yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, and at intersections even without crosswalk lines.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the road in marked crosswalks or at intersections even if no crosswalk lines exist at the intersection.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

8. Shared center lanes are only for left turns from either direction, not for through traffic or passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Shared center lanes are for left turns only. This sign tells a driver where a lane is reserved for the use of left turning vehicles from either direction and is not to be used for through traffic or passing other vehicles.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 24

3 questions from the New Hampshire practice test

1. 1. On New Hampshire roads, what is the difference between white and yellow broken lane lines?

   1. White marks the road edge; yellow marks lanes
   2. White means no passing; yellow means passing allowed
   3. There is no difference
   4. White separates lanes moving the same direction; yellow separates lanes moving in opposite directions
   Show answer

   White separates lanes moving the same direction; yellow separates lanes moving in opposite directions. Single broken lines mark traffic lanes. White lines mean the lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction, and yellow lines mean the lanes are moving in opposite directions. Drivers may pass other vehicles over broken lines when it is safe to do so, whichever color they are. Edge markings are a separate single line, white on two way roads and on the right edge of one way roads, and yellow on the left edge of one way roads.

2. 2. What does a solid white line between lanes prohibit in New Hampshire?

   1. Driving faster than 45 mph
   2. Stopping for pedestrians
   3. Using the lane for trucks
   4. Changing lanes or passing another vehicle
   Show answer

   Changing lanes or passing another vehicle. Solid white lines are a boundary: drivers are prohibited from changing lanes or passing another vehicle across them. Broken white lines are the ones that permit a lane change when safe. Solid white also appears near intersections and exits where a late lane change would be dangerous. The marking has nothing to do with speed, pedestrians or vehicle type. Wait until the line becomes broken before moving over.

3. 3. A New Hampshire road has a broken yellow line next to a solid yellow line, and the broken line is on your side. May you pass?

   1. No, the solid line applies to both directions
   2. Yes, when it is safe, because the line on your side is broken
   3. Only if the vehicle ahead signals you around
   4. Only at night
   Show answer

   Yes, when it is safe, because the line on your side is broken. With double white or yellow lines, drivers must not pass if the line on the driver's side is solid. If the line on the driver's side is broken, they may pass when safe to do so. The solid line governs the other direction, not yours. Safe still means no oncoming traffic, a clear view not blocked by a curve or hill, no intersection, and no railroad crossing or bridge ahead. A wave from the driver ahead never makes a pass legal.

Source: the New Hampshire Driver's 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.