California DMV Test Practice: 10 Questions about Pavement Markings

 

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10 Questions and Answers about Pavement Markings

Pavement markings are important tools to keep you safe on the road.

Edge lines and center lines help you position your vehicle and reduce the risk of running off the roadway or going against traffic.

These 10 questions are examples of questions you may see on a DMV test, not only in California but in every state in U.S.A. Pavement markings are consistent across the country and have the same meaning in all states.

Learn the Meaning of the Colors

The colors tell you if road lines separate traffic going in different directions (center lines) or the same direction (lane lines).

Yellow always mark the center and separate traffic going in opposite directions. On divided highways where there is a wide median, you will see the yellow center line on your left, and it may not always be obvious that it is a center line.

If you find yourself with a yellow line on your right, you are going against traffic. Pull over and stop immediately.

White lines mark the road edge and separates traffic going in the same direction (lane lines).

Red lines can be used to mark edges where parking is prohibited (curb markings).

The Appearance

Broken (dashed) and solid lines convey different meanings.

Broken lines are permissive. You can cross broken lines to change lanes or pass other vehicles. Before you move from one lane to another or from a straight course, make sure it is safe to do so. Check behind you and do not forget your blind spot. Signal your intentions so that others are aware of your movements.

Solid lines are restricted. You are discouraged or prohibited from changing lanes and/or passing other vehicles.

If a solid line is white, it tells you to stay in your lane, if possible. To indicate that changing lines is prohibited the pavement is marked with two solid white lines.

Two solid yellow lines in the center of the road tell you that moving to the left of these lines to pass others is prohibited. You may, however, cross two solid yellow lines to make a left turn, if safe.

Sometimes, the center markings has one broken and one solid yellow line. If the solid line is on your side, it tells you that passing is prohibited. If the broken line is on your side, passing is allowed.

Special Lane Markings

There are two lane markings you should pay special attention to:

 Center left turn lanes: These lanes are located in the middle of a two-way street and marked on both sides by two painted lines. The inner line is broken, and the outer line is solid. These lanes may only be used for left turns, not passing other vehicles. Also known as two-way left turn lanes since it is used by traffic from both directions.

 Reversible lanes: These lanes accommodate traffic going in one direction at certain times (like morning commute) and in the other directions at other times (like evening commute). They are marked by double dashed lines on both sides. Also known as flex lines.

Reversible lanes are not mentioned in the California Driver Handbook and will not be on your test.

Sharrows

Test takers often trip on questions about sharrows.

These markings are not common outside larger cities and many drivers misunderstand them and take them for bike lane markings.

Sharrows mean Shared Roadway Bicycle Markings. They alert motorists that bicyclists are allowed to occupy a travel lane and shared it with other vehicles. They also help bicyclists to maintain a safe lane position.

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Illustrations: hagbo.se

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Learn More

 Video: DMV Test Preparations – Road Markings