Pavement markings and signaling

Key points

1. A double yellow center line means passing is prohibited in both directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “Two-direction roadway - indicated by a double yellow line - passing prohibited in both directions”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 36

2. Passing is permitted when the dashed yellow line is on your side.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “Two-direction roadway - passing permitted when dashed yellow line is on your side”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 36

3. A white dashed line on a one direction roadway permits passing.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “One-direction roadway with white dashed line - passing permitted”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 36

4. If a stop line comes before the crosswalk, obey the stop line first.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “If there is a stop line before the crosswalk, the stop line must be obeyed first.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 37

5. If there is no crosswalk marking, stop before entering the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “If crosswalks are not apparent, then you must stop before entering the intersection.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 37

6. Shared center lanes are only for left turns or permitted U turns from either direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Shared center lanes are reserved for making left turns (or U-turns when they are permitted) by vehicles traveling in either direction.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 37

7. Signal at least 100 feet before an intersection; 4 to 5 seconds is better at higher speeds.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “At least 100 feet from an intersection. (Signaling at least 4 to 5 seconds BEFORE you wish to turn is better at higher speeds)”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 49

8. Hand signals: arm straight out for a left turn, up for a right turn, down to stop or slow.

   Source: Handbook p. 56

   “Left turn: Hand pointing straight out. • Right turn: Hand pointing up. • Stop or slow down: Hand pointing down.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 56

9. To warn drivers behind you of an unexpected stop, tap the brake pedal 3 or 4 times.

   Source: Handbook p. 56

   “quickly tap the brake pedal 3 or 4 times to let those behind you know you are about to slow down.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 56

Numbers to know

3 questions from the South Dakota practice test

1. 1. What do pavement markings do for drivers?

   1. Apply to pedestrians but not to drivers
   2. Replace the traffic signals at intersections
   3. Mark only decorative boundaries on highways
   4. Give directions or warnings and show lane or stopping rules
   Show answer

   Give directions or warnings and show lane or stopping rules. Pavement markings are roadway instructions. They divide lanes, show passing and lane-use rules, mark crosswalks, and identify where to stop. Calling them decorative ignores their traffic-control role. The cue is paint on the road surface, such as arrows, words, stop lines, lane lines, and crosswalk bars. Treat markings as part of the control system along with signs and lights, especially where lanes split or turn.

2. 2. On a two-direction roadway, what does a double yellow center line mean?

   1. Drivers may pass when no crosswalk is marked
   2. Passing is permitted from either direction
   3. Only the left lane may pass
   4. Passing is prohibited in both directions
   Show answer

   Passing is prohibited in both directions. South Dakota's pavement marking chart says a double yellow line on a two-direction roadway means passing is prohibited in both directions. The either-direction choice reverses the rule and would invite drivers across the center line illegally. Use the pair of solid yellow lines as the cue to stay right of center and wait for a dashed line on your side before considering a pass.

3. 3. What are shared center lanes reserved for?

   1. Passing slow traffic in either direction
   2. Driving straight during rush hour only
   3. Stopping for loading and unloading passengers
   4. Making left turns or permitted U-turns from either direction
   Show answer

   Making left turns or permitted U-turns from either direction. Shared center lanes are for left turns, and for U-turns only where U-turns are allowed, by traffic traveling in either direction. They are not passing lanes, so using one to go around slower traffic creates a head on conflict with drivers preparing to turn from the opposite direction. The cue is the lane's marking pattern and arrows: enter only for the turn movement, check both directions, and avoid using it as a through lane.

Source: the South Dakota Driver License 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.