Pavement Markings

Key points

1. Yellow markings separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Yellow Markings are used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions (center line)”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 22

2. A double solid yellow line means no passing in either direction, but you may turn left across it after oncoming traffic clears.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Indicates passing is not allowed for both directions of traffic. You may turn left, to enter or exit a roadway, across double solid yellow lines after waiting for oncoming traffic to clear.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 22

3. In a two way left turn lane, enter just before your turn; traveling in it is illegal.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “It is illegal to travel in a two-way left turn lane, so enter the lane just before you want to make the turn.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 23

4. Driving in or turning across yellow diagonal stripes is illegal.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “It is illegal to drive in or make a turn across these stripes.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 23

5. Crossing a wide solid white line is permitted but discouraged.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Crossing a wide solid white line is permitted but discouraged.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 24

6. A double solid white line means you may not change lanes.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Means you are not allowed to change lanes. Stay in your lane.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 24

7. A yield line is a row of triangles pointing at you that marks where you must yield.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “Yield line: A row of triangles in your lane, pointing toward your vehicle to indicate the point at which you are required to yield.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 25

8. A solid red lane is a transit only lane, not for cars.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “Solid red lane: Transit Only lane, not for cars.”
   Oregon Driver Manual, Handbook p. 25

3 questions from the Oregon practice test

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

   1. Passing is allowed only for vehicles in the right lane
   2. Passing is allowed for traffic traveling both ways
   3. Passing is not allowed in either direction
   4. Passing is required before the next intersection
   Show answer

   Passing is not allowed in either direction. A double solid yellow center line prohibits passing for traffic moving in both directions. The two-way passing choice describes a broken yellow center line, and the lane-specific choices invent permissions that the marking does not provide. Oregon does allow a left turn across double solid yellow lines after oncoming traffic clears, but that exception is not a passing maneuver. Read the center marking before overtaking, and remain behind the vehicle until a legal passing opportunity appears.

2. 2. What does a wide solid white line mark on an Oregon road, and may you cross it?

   1. It is a barrier that may never be crossed
   2. It directs traffic into specific lanes and separates bike lanes; crossing is permitted but discouraged
   3. It separates opposing traffic
   4. It marks a shoulder that may be used for passing
   Show answer

   It directs traffic into specific lanes and separates bike lanes; crossing is permitted but discouraged. A wide solid white line is used to direct traffic into specific lanes, such as turn lanes, and to separate bike lanes from other traffic lanes. Crossing a wide solid white line is permitted but discouraged. A regular solid white line marks the edge or fog line, a broken white line separates lanes going the same direction, and yellow lines separate opposing traffic. The shoulder is never a passing lane.

3. 3. How should a driver use a two-way special left-turn lane?

   1. Enter it just before turning and wait there for traffic to clear
   2. Travel in it for several blocks to bypass congestion
   3. Use it as a passing lane when opposing traffic is light
   4. Make a right turn from it without checking bicycles
   Show answer

   Enter it just before turning and wait there for traffic to clear. A two-way special left-turn lane is for preparing to make a left turn from either direction. Oregon says to enter it shortly before the turn, wait until traffic clears, and then complete the maneuver. It is illegal to travel along the lane, so using it for several blocks or passing is improper. A right turn does not make the lane a general travel lane and still requires a safe, lawful approach. The cue is short entry for one left turn, not a shortcut through congestion.

Source: the Oregon Driver Manual, Lane Travel: Pavement 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.