Pavement markings, signaling and passing

Key points

1. White lines separate same direction traffic; yellow lines separate opposite directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “White lines separate traffic going the same direction. Yellow lines separate traffic flowing in opposite directions.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 63

2. Broken lines permit passing or lane changing if the way is clear; solid white lines mean lane changing is hazardous.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “Broken lines indicate passing or lane changing is permitted if the way is clear. Solid white lines indicate that passing or lane changing is hazardous.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 63

3. Solid yellow lines mean no passing or lane changing, except for a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “Solid yellow lines indicate no passing or lane changing - unless making a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 63

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

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “At least 100 feet from an intersection. Signaling at least 4 to 5 seconds BEFORE you wish to turn is better at higher speeds.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 51

5. Do not change lanes before or while in an intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “Do not change lanes before or while in an intersection.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 51

6. You may pass on the right when the vehicle ahead is turning left, but never by leaving the pavement.

   Source: Handbook p. 55

   “When the vehicle you are overtaking is making a left turn (It is not legal to leave the pavement to pass on the right.)”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 55

7. Do not pass more than one vehicle at a time on a two lane road.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Do not try to pass more than one vehicle at a time on a two-lane road.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 54

8. Start a pass from at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “START at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 54

9. When the word ONLY appears on an overhead sign, you must go in the direction of the arrow.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “When the word “ONLY” is used, you must go in the direction the arrow points; there is no other option.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 63

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Wyoming practice test

1. 1. What do solid yellow lines indicate on a Wyoming roadway?

   1. No passing or lane changing, except for certain left turns
   2. Passing is permitted whenever the road looks clear
   3. Traffic is traveling in the same direction in both lanes
   4. Yellow markings identify the outer road edge only
   Show answer

   No passing or lane changing, except for certain left turns. Solid yellow lines mark a restriction against passing or changing lanes. The manual allows a narrow exception when a driver is making a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway. A clear-looking road does not erase the marking, and yellow lines separate opposing traffic rather than traffic moving together. Treat the line as a boundary and wait for a lawful left-turn movement before crossing it.

2. 2. How far before an intersection must a driver signal a turn under the manual's basic rule?

   1. At least 25 feet
   2. At least 100 feet
   3. Only after entering the intersection
   4. At least 500 feet in every situation
   Show answer

   At least 100 feet. Wyoming requires drivers to signal when turning or changing lanes and places the basic intersection distance at least 100 feet before the maneuver. Signaling after entry is too late for people and vehicles that need to understand the planned movement. Twenty five feet gives less notice than the stated rule, while 500 feet is not the universal figure in this guidance. Activate the signal early, check the path for road users, and keep communicating until the turn or lane change is complete.

3. 3. When is passing on the right permitted under the manual's examples?

   1. Whenever the vehicle ahead is traveling below the speed limit
   2. Whenever the right shoulder is paved
   3. When the vehicle ahead is turning left and passing can be done safely
   4. Only by driving off the pavement
   Show answer

   When the vehicle ahead is turning left and passing can be done safely. Passing on the right may be done when the vehicle being overtaken is making a left turn, provided the maneuver is safe. It may also be possible where two or more lanes of heavy traffic move in the same direction. A paved shoulder does not create a general passing lane, and a slower vehicle alone is not enough. The manual expressly says it is not legal to leave the pavement to pass on the right. Check space, sight distance, and nearby traffic before moving.

Source: the Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Traffic Signs, Signals and Road 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.