Some passing zones have signs that tell you where passing is permitted and where you cannot pass. Where there is both a solid and a dashed yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, you may not pass if the solid yellow line is on your side. If the dashed line is on your side you are in the passing zone and may pass if it is safe. You must return to your side before the passing zone ends. Two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic means neither side can pass. You may cross yellow lane markings, except medians, to turn left if it is safe. • Medians – When a highway is divided into two or more roadways, it is illegal to drive within, over, or across the space. This separation can be an open space, a highway divider, or a median island. It can also be formed either by 18 inch solid yellow pavement markings or by yellow crosshatchings between two solid yellow lines. • Crosswalks and stop lines – When required to stop because of a sign or signal, you must stop before your vehicle reaches the stop line or crosswalk, if there is one. Crosswalks define the area where pedestrians and bicyclists may cross the roadway. You must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in or about to enter a crosswalk. Some crosswalks may also have in-pavement lights that are activated by crossing pedestrians. You must yield when these lights are flashing. Not all crosswalks are marked every intersection is legally
defined as a crosswalk regardless of whether a crosswalk marking is present. Be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists when crossing intersections or turning. • Bicycle lanes – Bicycle lanes are marked with solid white lines and bike symbols. Some bike lanes are further separated from the adjacent motor vehicle travel lane and/ or parking lane with a buffer consisting of two solid white lines with diagonal cross-hatching or chevron markings. This buffer is considered part of the bike lane width and should not be encroached on by motorists unless executing a legal turning maneuver after checking that it is safe to do so. Protected bike lanes are further separated from passing traffic by some method of physical protection such as bollards, posts, or planters. Bicycle lanes may be filled with green paint. • Bicycle boxes – Bicycle boxes are pavement markings that are installed at intersections to allow bicyclists a safe way to turn when approaching a red light. Bicycle boxes are green and have an image of a bicyclist. At intersections, they are painted on the pavement before the crosswalk and they cover the entire travel lane. Drivers must stop behind the bicycle box (even when it's empty) and wait for a green light. Bicyclists who are turning left should stop in the bicycle box, move to the left side of the box, signal the turn, and wait for the green light. Bicyclists traveling straight or turning right should stay to the right in the bicycle box, in a staggered formation, and wait for the green light. Bicycle boxes can also be used by bicyclists to make a two-stage left turn. A two-stage left turn
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
allows bicyclists to make a left turn in two separate steps, rather than crossing multiple lanes of traffic: Step 1: Cross straight through the intersection on the green light and stop in the bicycle box for the road you are turning on-to. Step 2: Wait for the green light and go straight through the intersection. • Other traffic control devices – There are other traffic control devices used to discourage speeding and reduce collisions. These devices have a variety of shapes. If you see speed bumps, curbing that narrows the roadway, or circular islands in intersections, slow down and keep to the right unless otherwise posted. Roundabouts A roundabout is an intersection control device with traffic circulating around an island. Approaching vehicles must yield to the traffic in the circle. Always yield to pedestrians and bicyclists who are legally crossing the road. Inside the circle, always drive around the circle to the right.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
How to drive in a roundabout: 1. Slow down as you approach the intersection; roundabouts are designed for speeds of 15-20 mph. 2. Enter the roundabout when there is a gap in traffic. Once inside, do not stop. Follow directions on signs or pavement markings about which lane to use. 3. You may exit at any street or continue around if you miss your exit. Reversible Lanes Some travel lanes are designed to carry traffic in one direction at certain times and in the opposite direction at other times. These lanes are usually marked by double- dashed yellow lines. Before you start driving in them, check to see which lanes you can use at that time. There may be signs posted by the side of the road or overhead. Special lights are often used. A green arrow means you can use the lane beneath it, a red "X" means you cannot. A flashing yellow "X" means the lane is only for turning. A steady yellow "X" means that the use of the lane is changing and you should move out of it as soon as it is safe to do so.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
HOT Lanes & Express Toll Lanes High occupancy toll (HOT) lanes and Express toll lanes are high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes for carpools that are also open to solo drivers who choose to pay a toll. Toll rates adjust electronically to ensure that traffic in the HOT or Express lane is free flowing even when the regular lanes are congested. It provides toll-free express trips for buses, vanpools, carpools and motorcycles, while giving solo drivers the option to pay for a faster, more reliable trip.
