Pavement markings and special lanes

Key points

1. A dashed white line lets you change lanes when safe; a solid white line means stay in your lane unless a special situation requires a change.

   Source: Handbook p. 8

   “A dashed white line between lanes of traffic means that you may cross it to change lanes if it is safe to do so. A solid white line between lanes of traffic means that you should stay in your lane”
   New Mexico Driver Manual, Handbook p. 8

2. When a sign or signal requires a stop, stop before the stop line or crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 8

   “When required to stop because of a sign or signal, you must stop before your vehicle reaches the stop line or crosswalk.”
   New Mexico Driver Manual, Handbook p. 8

3. Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions; a dashed yellow line lets you pass when safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 8

   “Lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions are yellow. A dashed yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic means that you may cross it to pass if it safe to do so.”
   New Mexico Driver Manual, Handbook p. 8

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

   Source: Handbook p. 8

   “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.”
   New Mexico Driver Manual, Handbook p. 8

5. Two solid yellow lines mean neither side can pass, but you may cross them to turn into a driveway if safe.

   Source: Handbook p. 8

   “Two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic means neither side can pass. You may cross a solid yellow line to turn into a drive way if it safe to do so.”
   New Mexico Driver Manual, Handbook p. 8

6. Over a reversible lane, a green arrow means use the lane, a red X means do not, and a steady yellow X means move out.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “A green arrow means you can use the lane beneath it; a red “X” means you cannot. A flashing yellow “X” means the lane is only for turning. A steady yellow “X” means that the use of the lane is changing”
   New Mexico Driver Manual, Handbook p. 9

7. An HOV 3 lane means there must be at least 3 people in the vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “For example, “HOV 3” means there must be at least three people in the vehicle.”
   New Mexico Driver Manual, Handbook p. 9

8. A shared center lane is reserved for left turns (or U turns where permitted) and can be used by traffic from both directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “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.”
   New Mexico Driver Manual, Handbook p. 9

Numbers to know

3 questions from the New Mexico practice test

1. 1. A two-lane road has a solid yellow line on your side and a dashed yellow line on the other side. May you pass?

   1. No, because yellow lines always prohibit both directions
   2. Yes, because the dashed line is visible across the center
   3. Yes, but only by using the shoulder
   4. No, passing is prohibited from your side
   Show answer

   No, passing is prohibited from your side. With a solid and dashed yellow line separating opposing traffic, the line on the driver's side controls that driver's pass. A solid line on your side means you may not pass, even though the opposite side has a dashed line. The shoulder is never a substitute for a permitted passing lane, and a double solid arrangement is the pattern that bars both directions. Check the line nearest your lane before beginning any maneuver across the center.

2. 2. What does a pair of solid yellow lines between opposing traffic lanes mean?

   1. Passing is allowed during daylight hours
   2. Both directions may pass after signaling
   3. Only trucks may cross to pass
   4. Neither direction may pass
   Show answer

   Neither direction may pass. Two solid yellow lines separate opposing traffic where passing is prohibited for both directions. The marking is not changed by daylight, vehicle type, or a turn signal. A driver may still cross a solid yellow line to enter a driveway when it is safe, but that limited movement is not permission to overtake another vehicle. When you see the double solid pair, stay in your lane and wait for a marking or sign that permits a legal pass.

3. 3. In a reversible lane, what does a red X over the lane mean?

   1. The lane is reserved for bicycles
   2. The lane is open only to left turns
   3. You may use the lane for passing only
   4. You cannot use the lane beneath it
   Show answer

   You cannot use the lane beneath it. A red X over a reversible lane means the lane below it is closed to your direction of travel. The left-turn-only message belongs to a flashing yellow X, while a green arrow is the indication that permits use of the lane. Bicycle reservations are marked by reserved lane signs, not a red X control. Watch overhead signals before entering a reversible lane because its direction can change by time of day. If the X is red, stay out even when the pavement ahead looks clear.

Source: the New Mexico Driver Manual, 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.