Let's Decode Road Markings
Spot solid, dashed, and double lines to know when to pass, turn, or stay put.
Let's Decode Road Markings: practice questions and answers
These are the 21 quiz questions from this lesson for the New York DMV Written Test, with the correct answers and explanations. Try the quiz above first, then open a question to check yourself.
1What do white lines between lanes indicate?
Correct answer: D. Traffic moves in the same direction.
White lane markings separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
2Double solid yellow lines in the center of the road:
Correct answer: B. May not be crossed to pass.
Double solid yellow lines are not to be crossed for passing, because they are used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions and to reduce the risk of head-on collisions.
3Double solid yellow lines may be crossed:
Correct answer: B. Only for a left turn or U-turn.
You may cross these lines to enter/exit a driveway, a private road, or to make a legal U-turn. These lines primarily prohibit crossing into opposing traffic to pass other vehicles.
4Under what circumstances are you permitted to cross a broken line?
Correct answer: A. When it is safe to do so and not prohibited by signs.
A broken line indicates that crossing is generally permitted, provided that the maneuver can be done safely and there are no regulatory signs (such as "No Turn" or "Right Turn Only" signs) that forbid the action.
5Drivers may pass when there is a solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line only if:
Correct answer: D. Traveling next to the broken line.
You may cross to pass if the broken line is on your side. This marking indicates that visibility is sufficient for passing from your direction while restricting it for oncoming traffic.
6Crossing two sets of double solid yellow lines to overtake a vehicle may be allowed:
Correct answer: A. Under no circumstances.
The law treats these parallel lines as a solid barrier. Passing is strictly forbidden. These markings indicate a permanent physical barrier meant to separate traffic flow. Attempting to pass here is a significant traffic violation and highly dangerous.
7When are you allowed to cross two sets of solid double yellow lines that are spaced apart?
Correct answer: A. Only at designated openings where turns are permitted.
Spaced double yellow lines are legally a barrier. Crossing is forbidden except at designated openings. You cannot drive over or on this "island" for any reason.
8A single broken white center line on a two-lane road indicates:
Correct answer: B. Same-direction traffic, passing permitted when safe.
White lines indicate traffic moving in the same direction. Passing is not prohibited when the line is broken.
9Double solid white lines on the road indicate:
Correct answer: B. Crossing to change lanes is prohibited.
Double solid white lines are treated as a barrier. They separate lanes moving in the same direction, and you must not cross them.
10The road shoulder is for:
Correct answer: A. Emergency stops or disabled vehicles.
The road shoulder is for emergency stopping or disabled vehicles.
11This sign means:
Correct answer: B. Keep to the right of a divider or obstruction.
This sign instructs drivers to stay to the right of a median, traffic island, or road obstruction. It is common at the start of divided highways or near bridge supports.
12What does this sign warn about?
Correct answer: B. A divider is ahead.
The wedge at the top signifies "Divided Highway Begins." A physical median is starting, separating traffic into two distinct one-way roadways ahead.
13What does this sign warn about?
Correct answer: C. The divided highway ends and opposing traffic will no longer be separated.
The bottom wedge means the barrier is ending. Prepare for two-way traffic where oncoming vehicles are no longer separated by a median.
14You may cross double yellow lines to pass only if:
Correct answer: C. The line on your side is broken.
You may cross the line to pass only when one of the lines is broken and the broken line is on your side. Even then, you may pass only when it is safe.
15When the broken line of a double yellow centerline is on your side:
Correct answer: A. Passing is not prohibited.
The solid-and-broken line pattern is used to prohibit passing in one direction and allow it in the other, because drivers on the permitted side have enough visibility to pass safely. The purpose of the broken line is to permit passing from that side. So, passing from the broken-line side is allowed if it is safe to do so.
16When the lanes on a two-lane road are separated by double solid yellow lines, what does it mean?
Correct answer: B. Passing is prohibited in both directions.
On a two-lane road with one lane in each direction, passing on the left would require entering the oncoming lane, which is prohibited by the double solid yellow lines. Passing on the right would usually mean driving on the shoulder, which is also prohibited.
17On a road with no lane markings, the left lane may be used:
Correct answer: A. Only when passing or overtaking.
On a road with no lane markings, the left side should only be used when passing or overtaking another vehicle. Using the left lane freely, assuming width permits side-by-side travel, or seeking a better view are not valid reasons to occupy the left side, as it exposes you to oncoming traffic unnecessarily.
18When the road is marked with a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line on your side you may pass:
Correct answer: C. If traffic is clear.
A broken line on your side is the signal that you are in a legal passing zone. However, the line only gives you the permission to pass; it does not guarantee it is safe. You must ensure that traffic is clear, you have enough "gap" to complete the maneuver, and you can return to your lane without cutting off the vehicle you are passing.
19You may cross a double solid yellow line:
Correct answer: B. To turn into a driveway.
This is the correct answer. You are legally permitted to cross double solid yellow lines to turn left into or out of a driveway, private road, or an alley. While you cannot use the lines to pass another car, you can use them to leave or enter the highway.
20You may not cross a single broken white (or yellow) line:
Correct answer: A. When to do so would interfere with traffic.
You can cross these lines to pass other vehicles or change lanes only if you can do so safely. If your maneuver forces another driver to brake, swerve, or adjust their speed, you have "interfered with traffic," making the crossing illegal regardless of the line type.
21You may cross a single solid white line in the highway:
Correct answer: B. If traffic conditions require
A single solid white line is used to discourage lane changes in areas where they might be dangerous (such as near intersections, tunnels, or highway interchanges). However, it is not legally "prohibited" like a double solid line. You may cross it if traffic conditions make it necessary—for example, to avoid a hazard, to exit the highway, or when a lane is merging.
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