A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means that vehicles:
- In both directions may pass.
- Next to the broken line may pass. ✓
- Next to the solid line may pass.
Answer: B. Next to the broken line may pass.
Only the traffic on the side with the broken yellow line may pass; the solid yellow line means drivers on that side must not pass.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says a broken yellow line means you may pass when that broken line sits next to your lane, and only when it is safe. It also says not to pass a vehicle ahead when a solid yellow line is on your side. Put the two together on a road where a solid line is paired with a broken one, and the permission belongs to the driver beside the broken line. The driver beside the solid line stays put, which keeps passing from happening from a spot where the handbook says it is not allowed.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. In both directions may pass. — Passing is not open to both directions, because the handbook ties permission to pass to having the broken line next to your lane, and the solid line side does not have that.
- C. Next to the solid line may pass. — The solid line side is the one that may not pass, since the handbook says not to pass when a solid yellow line is on your side of the road.
Remember it
Read the line nearest your own lane: broken beside you means you may pass, solid beside you means you hold back.