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Difficulty: HardPavement Markings and Lane Lines

While driving in the rightmost lane of a multi-lane highway, a motorist notices that the standard broken white line separating their lane from the adjacent lane changes into a pattern of shorter, closely spaced dashed white lines (dotted white lines). What does this specific change in pavement markings indicate to the driver?

  1. The travel lane is ending or converting into an exit-only lane, warning drivers to either prepare to exit or merge.Answer
  2. B
    Lane changing is strictly prohibited across these markings due to an upcoming high-collision construction zone.
  3. C
    Drivers must come to a complete stop and yield right-of-way before crossing into the adjacent travel lane.
  4. D
    The lane is designated as a reversible travel lane where traffic direction changes according to peak travel hours.

Answer

The dotted white line pattern indicates that the lane is ending or turning into an exit-only lane, alerting drivers to exit or merge.
The correct answer correctly identifies the function of dotted white pavement markings. Shorter, closely spaced dashed white lines are used on highways to indicate lane drops, exit-only lanes, or lane extensions through intersections, informing motorists that their current lane will not continue as a standard through-lane.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the physical characteristics of the pavement marking.
The marking consists of shorter, closely spaced dashed white lines (dotted white lines), distinct from standard 10-foot broken white lines.
Traffic standards use line segment length and spacing frequency to convey specific operational warnings to drivers.
2
Recall the legal and statutory meaning of dotted white lane markings on multi-lane roadways.
Dotted white lines denote a lane extension, an acceleration/deceleration lane, or an upcoming lane drop (exit-only lane).
Standardized pavement marking manuals designate dotted lines as advance notice that a lane will terminate or separate from through-traffic.
3
Select the action required of the driver based on this marking.
The driver must decide whether to stay in the lane to exit or change lanes to remain on the main highway.
Early identification of lane drop markings allows drivers to make safe lane changes before reaching the exit point.

Key Concept

Dotted White Line Functions and Lane Drop Markings
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Pavement Markings and Lane Lines

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