What does a single dashed yellow line separating traffic mean?
- Drivers may pass if it is safe to do so. ✓
- Both lanes travel in the same direction.
- Drivers may not pass.
- Drivers may pass, even if it could be dangerous.
Answer: A. Drivers may pass if it is safe to do so.
A single dashed yellow line means drivers may pass if it is safe to do so.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says broken or dashed lines let you pass or change lanes when it is safe. It also says you may cross a broken line to pass another vehicle, but you must not cross if it is not safe or if the line is solid. A solid yellow line on your side marks a no-passing zone. So a single dashed yellow line is permission to pass only when conditions make it safe, not a command or a free pass. The answer matches that rule: passing is allowed, provided you can do it safely.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Both lanes travel in the same direction. — A dashed yellow line is not a same-direction lane divider; the handbook describes broken white lines for lanes on a one-way road.
- C. Drivers may not pass. — Only a solid yellow line on your side marks a no-passing zone, so a dashed line does not prohibit passing.
- D. Drivers may pass, even if it could be dangerous. — The handbook allows crossing only if it is safe, so passing when it could be dangerous is not permitted.
Remember it
Dashed means a chance, solid means stop crossing, but only take the chance when it is safe.
Official handbook: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers , p. 34