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Difficulty: MediumPavement Markings and Lane Lines

A driver traveling on a rural two-lane road is following a slow-moving tractor. The centerline on the driver's side is a broken yellow line, but a railroad crossing sign indicates tracks are located 80 feet ahead. Which of the following statements correctly describes the legal passing rule in this situation?

  1. The driver must not attempt to pass because overtaking is legally prohibited within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, regardless of lane markings.Answer
  2. B
    The driver may pass immediately because a broken yellow line on their side of the road always gives permission to overtake slower vehicles.
  3. C
    The driver may pass as long as the entire vehicle fully completes the pass and returns to the lane before crossing the tracks.
  4. D
    The driver must wait until the broken yellow line transitions into a solid white line before initiating a pass.

Answer

The driver must not attempt to pass because overtaking is legally prohibited within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, regardless of lane markings.
Although a broken yellow line generally permits passing when safe, statutory traffic safety laws prohibit passing or driving on the left side of the roadway within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, intersection, bridge, or tunnel. Since the vehicle is 80 feet from the tracks, overtaking is illegal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the standard rule for broken yellow centerline markings.
A broken yellow line indicates that passing is generally permitted when traffic is clear.
Broken yellow lines separate opposing traffic lanes where passing maneuvers are typically allowed.
2
Evaluate statutory passing restrictions near hazardous locations.
Traffic safety regulations restrict passing within 100 feet of intersections, railroad crossings, bridges, or tunnels.
Hazardous road features create high collision risk, superseding general pavement marking permissions.
3
Apply the 100-foot buffer requirement to the distance in the scenario (80 feet).
Because 80 feet is less than the mandatory 100-foot safety buffer, initiating a pass is illegal.
Statutory distance limits take precedence over standard lane line markings.

Key Concept

Statutory Passing Restrictions Near Railroad Crossings and Intersections
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Topics

Pavement Markings and Lane Lines

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