Florida Drivers Handbook |
4.8. Pavement Markings
Pavement Markings
Lines, symbols and words are often painted on a roadway
to help direct drivers and control traffic flow. You must
know what the different lines and colors mean and obey them
as you would traffic signs or signals.
White and yellow lines are used along pavement edges and
between lanes to keep vehicles in line. These lines may
be solid or broken (long dashes), single or double.
Unless you are turning, exiting a highway, or changing lanes,
always stay between the lines marking your lane.
Yellow Lane Lines
Yellow lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite
directions. Single yellow lines may also mark the left edge
of the pavement on divided highways and one-way streets.
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Broken
Yellow Line
A broken yellow line separates lanes of traffic moving
in opposite directions. Stay to the right of the line,
unless you are passing a vehicle in front of you.
When passing, you may cross this line temporarily
when it is safe to do so. |
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Double
Yellow Lines: One Solid, One Broken
A solid yellow line to the right of a broken yellow
center line means passing or crossing is prohibited
in that lane, except when turning left. If the broken
line is closer to you, you can cross the broken line
only to pass another vehicle and only when it is safe
to do so. |
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Double
Yellow Lines
Double solid yellow lines prohibit vehicles moving
in either direction from crossing the lines. You may
not cross these lines unless turning left when it
is safe to do so. |
White Lane Lines
White lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the
same direction. Single white lines may also mark the right
edge of the pavement.
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Broken
White Line
A broken white line separates two lanes traveling
in the same direction. Once you have signaled, and
if it is safe to do so, you may cross this line when
changing lanes. |
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Solid
White Line
A solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway
or separates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
You may travel in the same direction on both sides of
this line, but you should not cross the line unless
you must do so to avoid a hazard.
Double Solid White Line
A double sold white line separates two lanes of traffic
going in the same direction. Crossing a double solid
line is prohibited. |
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Solid
with Turn Lane Arrow
Solid white lines are used for turn lanes and to discourage
lane changes near intersections. Arrows are often
used with the white lines to show which turn may be
made from the lane.
If you are in a lane marked with a curved arrow and
the word ONLY, you must turn in the direction of the
arrow. If your lane is marked with both a curved and
straight arrow, you may either turn or go straight.
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Reversible Lanes
Some highways have reversible traffic lanes to help handle
rush-hour traffic. The direction of traffic is normally
reversed at set times each day. These pavement markings
are used along with special lane signals and other signs
and symbols.
A solid white line marks the edge of the pavement on most
roads. Stop lines, crosswalks and parking spaces are also
marked by white lines. Symbols such as arrows are in white
also. A single yellow line marks the left edge of all divided
or one-way roadways. Curbs are often marked yellow in no
parking zones near fire hydrants or intersections. It is
unlawful to park in or drive through areas that have pavement
markings indicating fire lanes or safety zones.
The lane marking arrow, in the center lane in the diagram
below, indicates that traffic in this lane can be reversed
in accordance with local traffic controls due to "rush
hour" traffic or other special traffic conditions.
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| Drivers from either direction
may use the center lane for left turns. |
Two-Way Roadway with Center Lane
Two-way roadway with a center lane for left turns in either
direction of travel. The specially marked center turn lane
is intended for slowing down and for sheltering turning
vehicles and may not be used for passing.
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| Drivers from either direction may use
the center lane for left turns. |
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| Drivers moving
in either direction may use the center lane for making
left turns only. |
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