A 3-minute lesson from the Mississippi course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Passing is one of the riskiest moves you make. On two-lane roads the center line decides whether you may pass; on four-lane highways you never cross the center line. Some places are off-limits no matter what the lines say.
Solid + broken yellow: only the car beside the broken line may pass
Know the rule
It's never legal to cross the center line of a four-lane highway to pass. On interstates and four-lane highways, passing is allowed from both the left and right lanes (same-direction lanes divided by a broken white line).
When you're being passed on a two-lane or three-lane highway, keep to the right and don't increase your speed until the other car has completely passed you.
On a four-lane highway, the car ahead of you in the left lane slows to turn left into a store. You may pass it on the right if the right lane is clear, but never by driving onto the shoulder.
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.
Is it ever legal to cross the center line to pass on a four-lane highway or interstate?
Yes, if you signal for at least 100 feet first
Yes, if the left lane is completely empty
Yes, but only above 55 mph
No
Answer: No
On four-lane highways and interstates, crossing the center line to pass is never legal; use the broken-white-line lanes instead.
