SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-yellow-lines-opposite

Yellow lines on the road separate traffic moving which way?

Opposite directions. White lines separate traffic going the same way.

  1. The same direction
  2. Opposite directions ✔
  3. Cars from bicycles

Why: Yellow lines mean traffic on the other side is coming toward you. White lines separate lanes going your way. Keep yellow on your left.

Huh, didn't know that: Yellow center lines do not have to be in the exact middle of the road; they can be placed off center.

The dad joke
Why are the center lines yellow? Because the road is too chicken to pick a side.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Opposite directions. Yellow lines mean traffic on the other side is coming toward you. White lines separate lanes going your way. Keep yellow on your left.

  1. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4 dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-4-traffic-control
    Lines that separate traffic that moves in opposite directions are yellow.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 3B.01 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Editionr1/mutcd11theditionr1hl.pdf
    Center line pavement markings may be placed at a location that is not the geometric center of the roadway.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Cars & DrivingOn a divided highway, what color is the edge line on your LEFT side?Cars & DrivingOn a two-lane road, a broken yellow line is on your side of the center. What does it allow?Cars & DrivingTwo solid yellow lines down the middle of the road mean what?

That's stuff everyone should know.