Highway markings and passing

Key points

1. Yellow center lines divide a highway into travel lanes for opposite directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Major highways are marked with yellow center lines which serve two purposes: Center lines divide a highway into travel lanes.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

2. A broken white line separates lanes going the same direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “a broken white line is used to divide each side of the highway into separate lanes for vehicles traveling in the same direction.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

3. With one or two solid lines, it is recommended that you do not pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “If there is a solid line or two solid lines, it is recommended that you do not pass.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

4. With a solid line and a broken line in your lane, you may pass if it is clear ahead.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “If there is a solid line but a broken line in your lane, you may pass if it is clear ahead.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

5. With a solid line in your lane, you should not pass, though the other lane may.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “If there is a solid line in your lane but a broken line in the other lane, you should not pass, but the motor vehicle in the other lane may pass.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

6. Continuous two way left turn lanes are not travel lanes.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Continuous two-way left turn lanes are not designed to be used as travel lanes”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

7. A yellow edge line on your right on a divided highway means you are going the wrong way.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “What does it indicate if, while driving on a divided highway, the edge of the highway to your right is painted yellow? You are going the WRONG WAY on a divided highway or Interstate.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

8. Do not pass at hills, curves, railroads or intersections.

   Source: Handbook p. 52

   “DO NOT PASS AT THESE LOCATIONS Hills Curves Railroads Intersections”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 52

9. Return after passing when you can see the whole front of the passed vehicle in your inside mirror.

   Source: Handbook p. 52

   “You should go far enough beyond the motor vehicle or bicycle you are passing so that you are able to see the entire front of the motor vehicle or the bicyclist in your inside rearview mirror.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 52

3 questions from the Vermont practice test

1. 1. On a Vermont road, what does a solid line in your lane indicate about passing?

   1. Passing is required before the line ends
   2. The line separates vehicles traveling in the same direction
   3. Passing is allowed whenever the shoulder is clear
   4. You should not pass from that lane
   Show answer

   You should not pass from that lane. The manual says a solid line in your lane means you should not pass. The choice “Passing is required before the line ends” invents a requirement to pass, while the choice “Passing is allowed whenever the shoulder is clear” substitutes a clear shoulder for the roadway condition and marking that control the maneuver. The choice “The line separates vehicles traveling in the same direction” describes a broken white line dividing same-direction lanes, not the restriction presented here. Before passing, identify which lane contains the broken line and confirm that the road ahead is clear. A solid line on your side is a cue to remain behind.

2. 2. When may you pass beside a solid line and a broken line in your lane?

   1. Whenever the vehicle ahead is traveling slowly
   2. Never, because any solid line prohibits both directions
   3. Only when the solid line is in your lane
   4. When the broken line is in your lane and the way ahead is clear
   Show answer

   When the broken line is in your lane and the way ahead is clear. A broken line in your lane beside a solid line means you may pass if the road ahead is clear and the maneuver is otherwise safe and legal. The line arrangement assigns permission by side, so a solid line in your lane means you should not pass. A slow vehicle alone does not make passing safe, and the presence of a solid line does not automatically prohibit the driver on the broken line side. Check visibility, oncoming traffic, intersections, and signs before moving, then return only with adequate space.

3. 3. A continuous two-way left-turn lane in Vermont is intended for:

   1. Preparing for and making a left-hand turn
   2. Passing slower traffic in either direction
   3. Driving straight until the next traffic signal
   4. Parking while waiting for a passenger
   Show answer

   Preparing for and making a left-hand turn. A continuous two-way left-turn lane is for preparing to turn left, not for ordinary travel or passing. Traffic from both directions may need that lane for a left turn, so using it as a through lane creates conflicts. The manual advises signaling, moving into the lane carefully a short distance before the turn, and placing the whole vehicle in it so traffic is not blocked. The cue is turn-only space: enter briefly for the left turn, then leave it through the intended movement.

Source: the Vermont Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Driving Safely and Studying for Your Permit. 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.