Pavement markings, crosswalks and stop lines

Key points

1. Pavement markings are lines, arrows, words or symbols that give directions or warnings.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-12

   “Pavement markings are lines, arrows, words, or symbols painted on the roadway to give directions or warnings.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-12

2. They tell you when you may pass or change lanes and which lanes to use for turns.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-12

   “They are used to divide lanes, tell you when you may pass other vehicles or change lanes, tell you which lanes to use for turns”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-12

3. Crosswalks define where pedestrians may cross the roadway.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-15

   “Crosswalks define the area where pedestrians may cross the roadway.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-15

4. With no stop line or crosswalk, stop where you can see both ways without entering cross traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-15

   “then you must stop at the point nearest the intersection where you can see in both directions without entering the cross traffic in front of you.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-15

5. You must yield to pedestrians entering or in a crosswalk. Not all crosswalks are marked.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-15

   “You must yield to pedestrians entering or in a crosswalk. Not all crosswalks are marked.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-15

6. If there is a stop line before the crosswalk, obey the stop line first.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-15

   “If there is a stop line before the crosswalk, the stop line must be obeyed first.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-15

7. A shared center left turn lane is only for left turns from either direction, not for through traffic or passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-10

   “This sign tells you 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.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-10

3 questions from the South Carolina practice test

1. 1. What can pavement markings tell drivers?

   1. When they may pass or change lanes and which lanes to use for turns
   2. The exact speed of every approaching vehicle
   3. Whether a vehicle is properly insured
   4. Which driver owns the roadway
   Show answer

   When they may pass or change lanes and which lanes to use for turns. The manual says pavement markings can tell drivers when they may pass other vehicles or change lanes and which lanes to use for turns. They also divide lanes, define pedestrian walkways, and show where to stop for signs or traffic signals. Markings do not measure another vehicle’s speed, verify insurance, or identify ownership. Before changing position, read the lines and arrows together with signs and traffic conditions. A permissive marking still requires a safe, legal maneuver and a clear view.

2. 2. What area do crosswalks define for pedestrians?

   1. The shoulder used for disabled vehicles
   2. A lane reserved for passing trucks
   3. A place where parking is always required
   4. The area where pedestrians may cross the roadway
   Show answer

   The area where pedestrians may cross the roadway. Crosswalks define the area where pedestrians may cross the roadway. A crosswalk is not a passing lane, a mandatory parking space, or a shoulder for disabled vehicles. Drivers should remain alert because not all crosswalks are marked, and they must yield to pedestrians entering or already in a crosswalk. The practical cue is the pedestrian crossing area itself: approach slowly, look for people, and stop behind the line or crosswalk when a sign or signal requires it.

3. 3. What is a shared center left-turn lane reserved for?

   1. Long-term parking
   2. Straight-through travel and passing
   3. Left-turning vehicles from either direction
   4. Vehicles traveling only in the opposite direction
   Show answer

   Left-turning vehicles from either direction. A shared center left-turn lane is reserved for vehicles turning left from either direction. It is not a through lane and cannot be used to pass other vehicles. Long-term parking also defeats the lane's turning purpose, while restricting it to the opposite direction ignores that both directions may use it for a left turn. The practical cue is the center lane's arrows or sign: enter only to prepare for the left turn, then complete that movement safely.

Source: the South Carolina 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.