Double solid yellow line

How to read it

Yellow centre lines separate traffic travelling in opposite directions. The MUTCD calls two solid yellow lines the two-direction no-passing zone marking: crossing the centre line to pass is prohibited for traffic in either direction. On undivided roads with four or more lanes, the 11th edition (2023) requires a double solid yellow centre line unless the middle lane is a reversible lane or a two-way left-turn lane. Pennsylvania's manual adds that passing is not allowed here even where no NO PASSING sign is posted.

Also searched as: can you cross a double yellow line, double yellow line, double yellow line meaning.

Can you cross a double yellow line?

To pass, no: the MUTCD defines the marking as prohibiting crossing to pass in either direction, and every state manual quoted here agrees. To turn left, the answer comes from state law, and the manuals word it differently. (The MUTCD defines the marking; for left turns across it, its 2009 edition pointed readers to the Uniform Vehicle Code.) California's handbook allows a left turn across a single set of double yellow lines to enter or leave a driveway or private road, or to make a U-turn. Michigan's manual lists turning into a driveway, onto a crossroad or into a parking spot. Oregon's manual allows a left turn across them to enter or leave a roadway once oncoming traffic has cleared. Florida's handbook allows turning left, and passing a bicyclist, when it is safe. Pennsylvania's manual gives the general rule that solid lines are not crossed except when making a turn.

This describes the national standard and the named states' manuals. It isn't legal advice: the law of the state where the road is decides.

Two sets of double yellow lines

Two sets of double solid yellow lines form a painted median: the MUTCD uses them for a continuous flush median island between opposing traffic. California's handbook treats two sets spaced two feet or more apart as a barrier that is not driven over or turned across except at designated openings. Oregon's manual says traveling in such a median is illegal but allows a left turn across it after oncoming traffic has cleared.

Look-alikes

A solid line beside a broken one is a no-passing zone for one direction only: traffic on the broken-line side may pass. A two-way left-turn lane has a solid and a broken yellow line on each side of a centre lane. A double white line separates lanes going the same way.