California Car / Permit practice question · Signals & Pavement Markings

A broken (dashed) yellow center line means:

Answer choices

• You may pass when it is safe— Correct answer
• Passing is never allowed
• The lane is for turning only
• Traffic flows in one direction

Why this is the answer

A broken yellow line next to your lane means you may pass, but only when it is safe to do so. It is the center-line marking for a two-way road, not a ban on passing and not a one-way indicator. A solid yellow line on your side is what forbids passing, so check which type of line borders your lane.

Source: California Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026