When traveling on a multilane roadway with traffic moving in opposite directions, how should drivers use the shared center lane?

1. To pass another vehicle
2. To slow down or stop before turning left ✓
3. As a through-traffic lane when traffic is moving too slowly
4. As a parking lane

Answer: B. To slow down or stop before turning left

Drivers use the shared center lane only to slow down or stop before making a left turn.

Why this is the answer

The Texas handbook treats this center lane as a left-turn lane, not a travel lane. It says a vehicle should enter the lane only at a point where the driver has time to slow down or stop and make a safe left turn. It also says the lane should never be used for passing or moving through traffic. That matches slowing or stopping before a left turn and rules out using it to pass, to keep moving when traffic is slow, or to park.

Why the other answers are wrong

• A. To pass another vehicle — Passing is not allowed in this center lane; the handbook says the lane is never used for passing.
• C. As a through-traffic lane when traffic is moving too slowly — Using it as a through-traffic lane is wrong because the handbook says the center lane should never be used for moving through traffic.
• D. As a parking lane — Parking is not supported; the handbook reserves the center lane for left-turning vehicles, not for parking.

Remember it

Center lane equals left-turn prep, not travel.