Pavement markings and lane use signs

Key points

1. You may pass when the broken yellow line is on your side and it is safe, but not when a solid yellow line is on your side.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “You may pass if the broken line is on your side of the road and safe conditions exist, but you may not pass when a solid yellow line is on your side of the road.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 22

2. You may cross broken white lines to pass, but never cross double yellow centerlines to pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “You may cross the broken white lines to pass, (be sure the passing lane is clear) but you may not cross the double yellow centerlines to pass.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 22

3. A center lane marked by a solid outer line and a broken inner line may only be used for left turns.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “marked on both sides by two (2) lines: one (1) solid outer line and one (1) broken inner line: it means this lane may only be used for left turns”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 45

4. Signal at least three to four seconds before entering a center left turn lane, and do not enter it too soon.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “Put on your left turn signal at least three (3) to four (4) seconds before entering the leftturn lane. 2. Do not get into the center turn lane too soon.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 45

5. In a lane with a turn arrow and the word ONLY, you must make that turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 12

   “If you are in a lane controlled by a sign with a turn arrow and the word “ONLY,” when you reach the intersection, you must make the turn.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 12

6. In an EXIT ONLY lane, change lanes or you must exit.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “If you are in a lane posted with an EXIT ONLY, you may change lanes, or you must exit the highway if you stay in this lane.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 19

7. A CENTER LANE LEFT TURN ONLY sign reserves the lane for left turns and not for through traffic or passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “This sign indicates where a lane is reserved for the exclusive use of left-turning vehicles in either direction and is not to be used for through traffic or passing.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 11

8. Exit numbers match the mile markers.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “Exit numbers correspond with the mile markers.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 19

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Pennsylvania practice test

1. 1. In Pennsylvania, what does a solid yellow line nearest your vehicle prohibit when paired with a broken yellow line?

   1. Yes, passing is always permitted from either side
   2. The line means the road is one-way
   3. Only trucks may pass from your side
   4. No, passing is prohibited from your side
   Show answer

   No, passing is prohibited from your side. A solid yellow line on your side of a combination centerline means you may not pass. The driver facing the broken yellow line may pass when conditions are safe, but that permission does not cross over to your lane. The truck-only option invents a vehicle exception, and the one-way option misreads a centerline that separates opposing traffic. Before passing, read the line nearest your vehicle and obey the restriction shown there.

2. 2. When may a driver cross a broken yellow centerline in Pennsylvania?

   1. Whenever the driver is below the speed limit
   2. When passing can be completed under safe conditions
   3. Only during daylight hours
   4. Only after sounding the horn twice
   Show answer

   When passing can be completed under safe conditions. The broken yellow marking indicates that a passing maneuver may be made when conditions are safe. Speed below the limit, a horn signal, and daylight do not by themselves make the movement safe or legal. The driver still needs adequate visibility, a clear opposing lane, and enough room to return without forcing another road user to react. Check the line pattern and the full roadway, then abandon the pass if sight distance or traffic leaves any doubt.

3. 3. What is the purpose of a center turn lane marked by one solid line and one broken line on each side?

   1. It is a passing lane for faster traffic
   2. It is reserved for parking during daylight
   3. It is a one-way lane for through travel
   4. It is for left turns from either direction
   Show answer

   It is for left turns from either direction. Pennsylvania describes a center lane bordered by a solid outer line and a broken inner line as a lane that may only be used for left turns. Drivers from either direction use it to begin a left turn, and entering traffic may use it to finish a turn before joining the roadway. It is not a passing or parking lane. Identify the paired markings, check for opposing traffic, and enter only for the left-turn movement.

Source: the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 2: Signals, Signs and 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.