A 3-minute lesson from the Kansas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Painted lines tell you who's beside you and whether you can cross into another lane. The key: yellow lines separate traffic going opposite ways, white lines separate traffic going the same way.
Know the rule
Lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions are yellow.
You may cross a solid yellow line to make a turn when there are gaps in traffic. When passing is permitted, pass only if the lane you enter is clear, and only when necessary.
Two-direction roadways: passing permitted, permitted from the dashed side, prohibited both ways
Know the rule
Multiple lanes going the same direction are separated by white lines. A dashed white line may be crossed to change lanes when a safe gap exists; a solid white line means stay in your lane unless a special situation requires a change.
Solid white lines also mark the right edge of the road and parking spaces, designate turn lanes and prevent lane changes near intersections. White arrows show traffic direction and which turns each lane may make.
When a sign or signal requires you to stop, stop behind the stop line, crosswalk or sign. If there's a stop line before the crosswalk, obey the stop line first; with no crosswalk visible, stop before entering the intersection.
Leaving a driveway, alley or building area (gas station, store, restaurant), stop as you would for a stop sign, behind the sidewalk, and yield to all pedestrians and traffic.
Common crosswalk markings, including an unmarked crosswalk
Put it into practice
You're on a two-lane road with a solid line and a dashed line in the center. The dashed line is on your side, so you may pass when there's a safe gap. The oncoming driver, facing the solid line, may not.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions are what color?
Yellow
Blue
White
Orange
Answer: Yellow
Yellow lines separate opposing traffic flows; white lines separate same-direction lanes.
