road markings guide: lines, colors & meanings
This guide explains what the most common road markings in the U.S. mean—how to read double yellow centerlines, when a broken line allows a maneuver, how no-passing zones are set, what turn exceptions exist, and why some painted islands work like a physical median. We include plain-English rules, links to statute pages, and pointers to driver handbooks and the MUTCD so you can verify quickly.
If you came from a specific scenario, jump straight to: left turn across double yellow, U-turn across double yellow, obstruction avoidance, right turn on red, or state indexes for California, Texas, New York, Florida.
double yellow line rules and no-passing meaning
A double solid yellow generally means no passing for traffic in either direction. The marking sets a legal boundary for overtaking; crossing it to pass a moving vehicle is prohibited. However, most states carve out narrow exceptions—chiefly to make a left turn into a driveway or side road where it is legal and safe, or to avoid a temporary obstruction when allowed by statute and only as far as necessary. See our detailed explainer on when you may cross a double solid yellow.
solid vs broken yellow: how centerlines signal passing opportunities
Yellow separates opposing traffic. If you see one solid + one broken yellow, the side with the broken segment is permitted to pass when the lane is clear and sight distance is adequate; the solid side may not. A single broken yellow on two-lane roads indicates passing allowed both ways when safe and legal.
passing on a dashed yellow—sight distance matters
Even where the line allows passing, you must have enough clear sight distance to complete the maneuver before oncoming traffic arrives, and you must not exceed the posted speed limit. Hills, curves, weather, and lighting can erase usable distance even on a straightaway.
minimum sight distance cues you can use
Agencies use engineering criteria (MUTCD + design manuals) to place no-passing zones. Drivers, however, can use practical cues: if you cannot see pavement to the vanishing point between lane lines, or you'd need to accelerate beyond the limit to pass, don't start the maneuver.
rural vs urban adjustments
Rural highways can lull drivers into underestimating closing speed; urban grids add turning traffic and signals. A legal pass in the country may still be unwise downtown. If your state driver handbook advises "pass only if you can return without exceeding the limit," follow that rule of thumb.
two sets of double yellow ("double-double") and painted medians
Some states (famously California) use two sets of parallel double yellow lines—apainted median barrier. Treat this as a median that you must not cross. You cannot make a left turn, U-turn, or pass across this marking except at a designated opening. Learn more in our double-double yellow barrier guide, and see your state's page (CA, TX, NY, FL) for the exact wording.
openings vs unbroken segments
An opening is an intentional break with markings that guide left turns. You may cross there to enter a driveway or side street, yielding to opposing traffic and pedestrians. Do not improvise a gap where the median is unbroken or hatched.
common citation language
Tickets often read like "Crossing a painted median / two sets of double yellow" or "Illegal U-turn across double-double yellow." Our roundup of enforcement notes is in Double Yellow Lines: 2025 rule changes.
learn by scenario
- Left turn across double yellow — when allowed
- U-turn across double yellow — what states allow
- Obstruction avoidance exceptions
white line markings for lane control and turns
White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. A solid white line discourages lane changes, especially near intersections, on ramps, and curves; a broken whiteline allows changing lanes when safe.
solid white lines, channelization, and gore areas
Channelizing islands and gores are typically surrounded by solid white lines (sometimes chevrons). Driving into these areas is illegal and unsafe. Where you see a right-turn pocket with a solid white separator, enter only at the beginning of the pocket, then follow the arrow.
turn-only arrows and lane-use control
Arrows show permitted movements from each lane—left only, right only, through, or combos. When an arrow conflicts with what another driver does, the posted sign and signal still govern. Always check for "NO TURN ON RED" at signals before a right turn. See our guide to right turn on red rules.
yield lines ("shark teeth")
Triangular yield lines indicate the point at which you must yield—commonly at roundabouts and some channelized right turns. If present with a pedestrian crossing, yield to people in the crosswalk first. More at pedestrian right-of-way in crosswalks.
bicycle lane interactions
Dashed entries across bike lanes indicate where cars may legally cross to turn; a solid bike lane line usually means do not drive or stop in the lane except to cross at a dashed approach or when permitted by law.
broken white lines and lane changes
Where broken white lines appear, you may change lanes when it's safe and legal. Signal early, check mirrors and blind-spots, and maintain a consistent speed. On multilane arterials, expect faster traffic in the left lanes and buses or right-turning vehicles in the rightmost lane.
managed lanes, HOV, and buffers
HOV/managed lanes often include double solid white buffers. You may enter/exit only where the line becomes dashed. Violations are commonly camera-enforced and carry steep fines.
peak-hour restrictions
Some cities switch lane directions or restrict turns with time-based plaques. Always read the sign that pairs with the marking—e.g., "NO TURN ON RED 7–9 AM, 4–6 PM."
sign + marking coordination
Where signs conflict with a faint or temporary marking, the sign and signal usually control. In a work zone, follow the flagger or portable signal.
crosswalks, stop lines, and pedestrian priority
Crosswalks may be marked with white lines or be unmarked at most intersections. A stop line (wide white bar) shows where vehicles must stop at a signal or stop sign; if both a stop line and crosswalk are present, stop at the line before encroaching on the crosswalk.
marked vs unmarked crossings
Many states give pedestrians the right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Mid-block crossings typically require drivers to yield where marked.
stop lines vs yield lines at signals
At a red signal, you must stop behind the line. If turning right on red is permitted, make a full stop, check for signage, and yield to pedestrians and cross-traffic. (See right-on-red rules and exceptions.)
red-light camera enforcement
Rolling through the line at a red often triggers a camera citation even if you turned right safely. The easy way to avoid a ticket is to stop completely, then proceed.
LPIs and leading pedestrian intervals
Some signals start a few seconds early for pedestrians. When you see a WALK appear with parallel traffic still red, expect people in the crosswalk as your light turns green—yield until the path is clear.
work-zone temporary markings and color changes
In construction areas, you may see temporary orange centerlines, cones, or raised markers redirecting lanes. These override the usual patterns for the duration of the project.
temporary centerlines and tabs
Contractors may apply temporary tape, paint, or RRPM tabs. Follow them even if faded permanent lines are visible.
flaggers and pilot cars trump the pavement
A flagger's STOP/SLOW paddle and gestures have legal authority. When a pilot car leads one-way traffic through, drive at the indicated speed and do not pass.
speed reductions and double fines
Many states double fines for violations in active work zones, especially when workers are present.
nighttime reflectivity
Raised retroreflective markers (yellow on the left, white on the right) help at night and in rain. If you straddle yellow markers, you're likely left of center—correct your position.
curb colors and painted edges (check local rules)
Curb colors vary by city, but common patterns are: red = no stopping, yellow = loading/short stop, blue = accessible parking only, white = passenger loading. Always verify the posted sign and local ordinance.
school loading and time limits
Near schools you may see yellow curbs or signed loading windows. Obey time plaques and watch for crossing guards.
hydrant clearances and fire lanes
Red curbs frequently mark designated fire lanes. Do not stop or park there; clearance is required for emergency vehicles.
local ordinance overrides
Where curb paint conflicts with a new sign, the sign typically controls until the curb is repainted. When in doubt, follow the sign and check a city parking map.
tourist areas and seasonal rules
Beach towns and ski corridors often add seasonal restrictions—pay meters, resident permits, and special event lanes.
frequently asked questions (road markings)
Can I turn left across a double yellow?
Often yes—to enter/exit a driveway or side road—unless your state or local rule forbids it at that location. Never cross a double-double painted median except at marked openings. Details by state: CA, TX, NY, FL.
Can I go around a vehicle across the centerline?
You may edge left only to avoid a temporary obstruction when your state allows it—and only as far as necessary with due care. See the exception rules at obstruction avoidance.
What about U-turns over double yellow?
U-turn legality depends on sight distance, signage, and whether a painted median is present. Start with U-turn across double yellow and your state page.
Where can I read the official standards?
See the MUTCD and your state DOT driver handbook; then confirm the statute or code sections on our state pages: California, Texas, New York, Florida. Also see 2025 double-yellow rule changes and school bus stop laws—both ways.