Yellow vs White Lines
The color of the line tells you about the direction of traffic. Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.
Solid vs Dashed Lines
Dashed lines mean you may cross them to pass or change lanes when it is safe. Solid lines mean you should not cross them except to avoid an obstacle.
Common Line Combinations
Dashed yellow center line: You may pass when it is safe to do so in either direction.
Solid yellow center line: Do not pass or cross. Stay in your lane.
One solid and one dashed yellow line: The driver on the dashed side may pass when safe. The driver on the solid side may not pass.
Double solid yellow lines: Neither direction may pass. These mark a no-passing zone.
Dashed white lines: You may change lanes when it is safe.
Solid white lines: Discourage lane changes. These are common near intersections and in areas where lane changes are risky.
Special Markings
Center turn lane (two-way left turn lane): Marked by parallel yellow lines with dashes on the inside. This lane is shared by both directions of traffic for making left turns only. Do not drive in this lane.
Edge lines: White lines along the right edge of the road mark the boundary of the road. Yellow edge lines mark the left boundary on divided highways.
DMV Test Tips
Lane marking questions are common on the test. Remember: yellow separates opposite directions, white separates same direction, dashed means you can cross, and solid means you should not cross.