Even if it's a double yellow, it's OK to cross when turning left or when you must slide over to avoid hitting a pedestrian or person-powered vehicle such as a bicycle or skateboard, the Virginia Code says. Townsend recalls driver education classes insisting it was wrong to cross over a yellow line, period. A lot of us probably were taught that. Or think we were. Each state has its own traffic codes, and towns and cities sometimes further refine those.
So be sure you know the rules of your particular road. Before you get flummoxed by yellow lines and turn lanes, here are some basics that should be universal:. Solid white lines define lanes of traffic going in the same direction, or they show you the location of the shoulder of the road. Stay on your side of the yellow line and you'll avoid nasty head-on collisions with folks coming the opposite way. With such a dire consequence for ignoring the yellow line, you can see why it might be common to think you never, ever should cross it.
From our Virginia example, you see that it's sometimes permitted to cross a yellow line. Think of people who live along narrow, winding roads chockablock with yellow lines down the center to minimize dangerous passing.
How would residents ever turn left into their own driveways if crossing a yellow line weren't permitted sometimes? Stay on your own side of the double yellow line that's down the center of the road. If you need to pass another vehicle, do so using lanes on your own side of the yellow. You can't legally pass somebody because that would take you across the double yellow line into oncoming traffic. But remember, you can cross that double yellow line if you're making a left turn, assuming that's permitted on the street where you're driving.
As Townsend said, know your specific location's rules of the road. You can cross a solid yellow line on your side of the road to get into the center left-turn lane. But keep your eyes on traffic coming the other direction because those cars also have the right to use the same turn lane.
A double sold white line separates two lanes of traffic going in the same direction. Crossing a double solid line is prohibited. Solid white lines are used for turn lanes and to discourage lane changes near intersections.
Arrows are often used with the white lines to show which turn may be made from the lane. If you are in a lane marked with a curved arrow and the word ONLY, you must turn in the direction of the arrow. If your lane is marked with both a curved and straight arrow, you may either turn or go straight.
Some highways have reversible traffic lanes to help handle rush-hour traffic. The direction of traffic is normally reversed at set times each day. These pavement markings are used along with special lane signals and other signs and symbols.
A solid white line marks the edge of the pavement on most roads. Stop lines, crosswalks and parking spaces are also marked by white lines. Symbols such as arrows are in white also. A single yellow line marks the left edge of all divided or one-way roadways. Curbs are often marked yellow in no parking zones near fire hydrants or intersections.
It is unlawful to park in or drive through areas that have pavement markings indicating fire lanes or safety zones. Two-way roadway with a center lane for left turns in either direction of travel. The specially marked center turn lane is intended for slowing down and for sheltering turning vehicles and may not be used for passing.
These lines appear on stretches with bends. Crossing the yellow line is punishable. Vehicles on the side of the broken line can cross the line to the other side. Vehicles on the side of the unbroken line cannot. These short dashes are meant to regulate traffic on wide highways.
They will be shorter and leaner than the lines at the middle of the road. Home News Business. The yellow and white lines on the road have a message. Don't ignore them. Our Correspondent. Mail This Article. Recipient's Mail This is error message. Your Name This is error message.
0コメント