A broken yellow centerline indicates that:
- Passing is not permitted.
- Passing on the right is permitted when the way ahead is clear.
- Passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear. ✓
Answer: C. Passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear.
A broken yellow centerline means passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says a broken yellow line means you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane, and you should pass only when it is safe. The question states that permission as passing on the left when the way ahead is clear. The line allows a pass; it does not require one, and safety still controls the decision.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Passing is not permitted. — A broken yellow line does not ban passing; the handbook says you may pass when the broken line is next to your lane and it is safe.
- B. Passing on the right is permitted when the way ahead is clear. — The broken-yellow rule is about passing when the line is next to your lane, not a general permission to pass on the right; right-side passing has its own limited conditions in the handbook.
Remember it
Broken yellow beside your lane means a pass may be allowed, but only if it is safe.
Official handbook: California Driver Handbook (DL 600), Section 6: Navigating the Roads, p. 13