SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-double-solid-yellow

Two solid yellow lines down the middle of the road mean what?

No passing from either direction.

  1. Pass whenever the road is clear
  2. No passing for either direction ✔
  3. Only one direction may pass

Why: Double solid yellow lines mean no one may cross them to pass. You may cross only to turn left into a driveway or street, where allowed.

Huh, didn't know that: In the national manual, a double line means maximum or special restrictions.

The dad joke
Why do double yellow lines get along so well? They never cross each other.
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References

Answer: No passing for either direction. Double solid yellow lines mean no one may cross them to pass. You may cross only to turn left into a driveway or street, where allowed.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Section 6 www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/navigating-the-roads
    Do not pass over double solid yellow lines. Stay to the right of these lines
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 3A.04 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Editionr1/mutcd11theditionr1hl.pdf
    A double line indicates maximum or special restrictions.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

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