When can I pass with a broken yellow centerline?

A broken yellow on your side permits passing when the lane ahead is clear and there is enough sight distance. Obey posted signs and yield to oncoming traffic.

What if the solid yellow is on my side?

Do not pass. A solid yellow on your side marks a no-passing zone for your direction, even if the oncoming side shows a broken yellow.

How do mixed centerlines work before hills and curves?

Engineers place solid lines on the approach that lacks sight distance. The side with adequate sight distance typically sees a broken yellow until the hazard begins.

Double Yellow vs Broken Yellow

𝕏 Share on X 📘 Facebook 👽 Reddit 📌 Pin

When the dashed line is on your side: legal passing zones

A broken yellow on your side generally marks a legal passing zone: you may move into the oncoming lane to overtake when sight distance is adequate and the lane ahead is clear of oncoming traffic, bikes, and pedestrians. Always check for signs that further restrict passing.

Mixed centerlines: solid on your side vs dashed oncoming

Mixed patterns tell each direction something different. If the broken line is on your side, your direction may pass; if the solid line is on your side, you must not pass even if the oncoming side shows a broken line. Review the no-passing baseline here: double solid yellow rules.

Reading patterns before hills and curves

Engineers place solid lines where the approach lacks sight distance, such as the near side of a hill or before a sharp curve. The far side may see a broken line because it has clear visibility. Look well ahead to anticipate where the pattern flips.

Unsafe pass scenarios even where dashed allows

A dashed line is not permission to ignore common-sense limits: poor traction, short gaps, hidden driveways, or fast oncoming traffic can make an otherwise legal pass unsafe.

Ticket codes commonly issued for misreads

Typical charges include "improper passing in no-passing zone," failure to yield to oncoming traffic, or crossing a solid yellow when the mixed pattern was misread. Check your state's code and MUTCD adoption notes for specifics.

When the solid line is on your side: do not pass

A solid yellow on your side means no passing. Stay in your lane. Passing here risks head-on conflicts and usually carries enhanced penalties. No-passing zones are often paired with the triangular W14-3 NO PASSING ZONE sign.

Alternatives: wait for openings and legal turn pockets

If you are trapped behind a slow vehicle, wait for a legal passing zone or use a designated turn pocket to exit safely. Remember: a left turn across the centerline into a driveway may be lawful in many states when not used for passing—see left-turn across double yellow.

mixed centerlines solid on your side diagram — Mixed centerlines: the side with the solid yellow must not pass; the side with the broken yellow may pass when clear.