Broken Yellow Center Line sign

What to do

You may pass when the lane ahead is clear and it is safe; return to your lane promptly.

Pass only when you can see far enough ahead that the oncoming lane is clear for the whole pass, and remember the oncoming lane belongs to oncoming traffic.

Where it's used

Section 3B.01 makes a single normal-width broken yellow line the two-direction passing zone marking on two-lane, two-way roads, meaning drivers in either direction may cross it to pass with care. Center lines must be yellow, and a single solid yellow line may never be used as a center line on a two-way road. Section 3B.02 requires center lines on busier undivided urban arterials and collectors (at least 20 feet wide with 6,000 or more vehicles a day) and on all undivided roads with three or more lanes.

Don't confuse it with

• Broken White Lane Line: A broken white line separates lanes going the same way, while a broken yellow line separates you from oncoming traffic.
• Solid and Broken Yellow Lines (one-direction no-passing): With a solid and broken pair, only the driver next to the broken line may pass.
• Reversible Lane Markings: Reversible lanes are marked with double broken yellow lines on each side, not a single broken line.