Section 6: Navigating the Roads Flashcards
(21 cards)
Lane Markings are:
Lane markings on road surfaces help drivers know which part of the road to use and understand traffic rules.
Single Solid Yellow Lines are:
A single solid yellow line marks the center of a road with two-way traffic. Do not pass a vehicle in front of you if there is only one lane of traffic going your direction and a solid yellow line on your side of the road.
Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart are considered a barrier. Do not drive on or over this barrier, make a left turn, or make a U-turn across it, except at designated openings. Do not pass over double solid yellow lines. Stay to the right of these lines unless you are:
In a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lane that has a designated entrance on the left.
Instructed by construction or other signs to drive on the other side of the road because your side is closed or blocked.
Turning left across a single set of double yellow lines to enter or exit a driveway or private road or make a U-turn.
Broken Yellow Line
A broken yellow line indicates you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane. Only pass when it is safe:
Single Solid White Line
A single solid white line marks traffic lanes going in the same direction. This includes one-way streets.
Double Solid White Lines
Double solid white lines indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane, such as a carpool (HOV) lane. You may also see double solid white lines in or near freeway on and off ramps. Never change lanes over double solid white lines. Wait until you see a single broken white line.
Broken White Lines
Broken white lines separate traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction.
End of Lane Markings
Ending freeway and street lanes are usually marked with large broken lines. If you are driving in a lane marked with broken lines, be prepared to exit the freeway or for the lane to end. Look for a sign that tells you to exit or merge.
Yield Line
A yield line is a solid white line of triangles that shows approaching vehicles where to yield or stop. The triangles point towards approaching vehicles.
Stay in one lane as much as possible. Do not weave in and out of traffic. Last minute lane or direction changes may increase the risk of collisions. Once you start moving through an intersection, keep going. If you start to make a turn, follow through. If you miss a turn, keep driving until you can safely and legally turn around.
Before you change lanes:
Signal.
Check your mirrors.
Check traffic behind and beside you.
Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move to make sure the lane is clear.
Check your blind spots for other vehicles, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Do not let the vehicle drift into another lane.
Be sure there is enough space for your vehicle in the next lane. It is not necessary to slow down before a lane change.
Choosing a Lane
Traffic lanes are often referred to by number. The left (or fast) lane is called the Number 1 Lane. The lane to the right of the Number 1 Lane is called the Number 2 Lane. Then the Number 3 Lane, etc.
Passing Lanes
On a multilane road, the passing lane (far left lane) is the lane closest to the center divider and is used to pass other vehicles.
The road surface in a HOV lane is marked with a diamond symbol and the words Carpool Lane. Do not cross over double solid lines to enter or exit an HOV lane. Use designated entrances and exits.
An HOV lane is a special lane reserved for carpools, buses, motorcycles, or low-emission vehicles with decals. To use an HOV lane, one of these must apply:
You have a certain number of people in your vehicle. There will be signs at the on-ramp or along the road to tell you the minimum number of people. Road signs also list the hours when the HOV rules apply.
You are driving a low emission or zero emission vehicle. You must display a special DMV-issued decal.
You are riding a motorcycle (unless otherwise posted).
A center left turn lane is located in the middle of a two-way street. It is marked on both sides by two painted lines. The inner line is broken and the outer line is solid. Use the center left turn lane to prepare for and make a left turn or U-turn. It is not a regular traffic lane or passing lane. You may only drive for 200 feet in the center left turn lane. To turn left from this lane:
Look for other vehicles coming toward you in the center left turn lane.
Signal.
Look over your shoulder to check your blind spots.
Merge completely into the center left turn lane so you do not block traffic.
Turn when it is safe.
It is illegal to drive in a bicycle lane unless you are:
Parking (where permitted).
Entering or leaving the road.
Turning (within 200 feet of an intersection).
Some two-lane roads have special turnout areas or lanes. Merge into these areas or lanes to allow cars behind you to pass.
You must use a turnout area or lane to let other vehicles pass when you are driving slowly on a two-lane road, where passing is unsafe, and there are five or more vehicles following you.
Check your blind spots before entering a bike lane. If you drive a motorized bicycle, use caution to avoid other bicyclists. Travel at a reasonable speed and do not endanger the safety of other bicyclists.
There are multiple types of bike lanes and markings:
Bike lane: Established along streets adjacent to vehicle traffic. Typically marked by a single solid white line that turns into a dash-line near an intersection.
Buffered bike lane: Uses chevrons or diagonal markings to provide greater separation from traffic and on-street parking.
Bike route: Uses bike route signs and shared road markings to designate a preferred route for bicyclists on streets shared with vehicle traffic.
Bicycle boulevard: Prioritizes bicycle travel on streets shared with vehicle traffic.
Separated bikeway: Is physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and for exclusive use of bicyclists. They are also known as a cycle track or protected bike lanes. The separation may include flexible posts, grade separation, inflexible barriers, or on-street parking.
Shared roadway bicycle markings: Alert drivers that bicyclists can occupy the lane and help bicyclists maintain a safe lane position in traffic.
To make a right turn:
Drive close to the right edge of the road.
If a designated right turn lane is available, enter at the opening.
You can drive in a bike lane within 200 feet from the turn. Check for bicyclists in your blind spots.
Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists between your vehicle and the curb.
Start signaling about 100 feet before the turn.
Look over your right shoulder and reduce your speed.
Stop behind the limit line. A limit line is a wide white line that shows the drivers where to stop before an intersection or crosswalk. If there is no limit line, stop before you enter the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before you enter the intersection.
Look both ways (left-right-left) and turn when it is safe.
Complete your turn in the right lane. Do not turn wide into another lane.
