California Car / Permit practice question · Signals & Pavement Markings

A solid yellow line on your side of the center of a two-way road means:

Answer choices

• You may pass when traffic is clear
• Passing is not allowed on your side— Correct answer
• The road ahead ends
• You are on a one-way street

Why this is the answer

A solid yellow line on your side of the road means you must not pass a vehicle ahead of you when only one lane goes your direction. Traffic being clear does not change that, because the line marks the center of a two-way road. A broken yellow line is the marking that permits passing when it is safe.

Source: California Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings

Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026