California Car / Permit practice question · Signals & Pavement Markings

Two solid yellow lines painted down the center of a road mean:

Answer choices

• Passing is allowed for both directions
• Do not pass; cross only to turn left— Correct answer
• The road is a divided freeway
• You must merge into one lane

Why this is the answer

Double solid yellow lines mean you must not pass over them, and you stay to their right. The handbook allows a few exceptions: a carpool lane with a left-side entrance, signs sending you across because your side is blocked, and a left turn over one pair of double yellow lines into or out of a private road or driveway, or for a U-turn. The idea that both directions may pass is wrong.

Source: California Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026