Solid and broken yellow center lines

The rule

Where a broken yellow line runs beside a solid yellow one, drivers on the broken-line side may pass when the way is clear; drivers on the solid-line side may not.

A broken yellow center line next to your lane means you may pass on the left when the way ahead is clear.

From the Virginia Driver's Manual, section 2, page 11. This question is our own wording of that rule. The handbook and the DMV have the final word.

Often mixed up with

People confuse these rules with this one. Each has its own practice question.

• Double solid yellow lines
• Double solid white lines
• Crossing a solid yellow to pass a bicyclist

More lanes and turns questions

• Double solid yellow lines
• Double solid white lines
• Center left turn lane: 150 feet
• Bike lanes: only to turn
• U-turns in cities and towns: intersections only
• All 14 lanes and turns questions