Question

Difficulty: MediumPavement Markings and Lane Lines

A driver is traveling on a two-lane road marked with a single broken yellow centerline and wishes to overtake a slow-moving vehicle 75 feet before an upcoming highway intersection. Which statement correctly describes the legality of this passing maneuver?

  1. The passing maneuver is illegal because passing is prohibited within 100 feet of an intersection regardless of pavement markings.Answer
  2. B
    The passing maneuver is legal because a broken yellow line allows passing whenever oncoming traffic is clear.
  3. C
    The passing maneuver is legal provided the driver fully returns to the right lane before crossing the intersection boundary.
  4. D
    The passing maneuver is illegal only if the broken yellow line transitions to a double solid yellow line before the pass starts.

Answer

The passing maneuver is illegal because passing is prohibited within 100 feet of an intersection regardless of pavement markings.
While a single broken yellow centerline normally permits passing when safe, traffic law explicitly forbids driving on the left side of the roadway to pass within 100 feet of an intersection. Because the vehicle is 75 feet away, the pass is illegal regardless of line markings.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the pavement marking rules
A broken yellow centerline indicates that passing is generally permitted when safe.
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
2
Evaluate location-based statutory passing restrictions
Traffic regulations prohibit passing on the left side of the road within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, or tunnel.
Specific statutory prohibitions supersede general lane line indications.
3
Determine legal status for the given scenario
Since the driver is 75 feet from the intersection (within the 100-foot zone), passing is illegal.
The driver must wait until passing the intersection.

Key Concept

Intersection Passing Restrictions and Lane Markings
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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