Examkin

Question

Difficulty: Very hardPavement Markings and Lane Lines

A motorist is driving on a rural two-lane highway behind a slow-moving commercial vehicle. The centerline marking on the motorist's side is a broken yellow line, while the opposing side has a solid yellow line. The motorist notices an upcoming uncontrolled intersection 75 feet ahead. Which of the following statements correctly describes the legal status of initiating a passing maneuver in this situation?

  1. The maneuver is illegal because statutory traffic law prohibits driving on the left side of the roadway when approaching within 100 feet of an intersection, regardless of broken yellow pavement markings.Answer
  2. B
    The maneuver is legal because a broken yellow line on the driver's side grants unconditional permission to cross into the opposing lane to overtake.
  3. C
    The maneuver is legal provided the passing vehicle completes the lane change and returns to the right lane within 50 feet of the intersection.
  4. D
    The maneuver is legal only if the driver exceeds the posted speed limit by at least 10 mph to complete the pass before reaching the intersection.

Answer

The passing maneuver is illegal because traffic regulations strictly prohibit passing or driving on the left side of the roadway within 100 feet of any intersection, regardless of whether the pavement markings consist of a broken yellow line.
While a broken yellow centerline indicates a zone where passing is normally allowed, statutory traffic regulations prohibit overtaking and driving on the left side of the road within 100 feet of an intersection. Because the driver is only 75 feet from the intersection, initiating a pass is illegal regardless of the broken yellow line.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the pavement marking rules.
A broken yellow line on the driver's side indicates that passing is generally permitted when the opposing lane is clear.
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions, and dashed lines signify passing zones.
2
Evaluate environmental and statutory restrictions.
The driver is 75 feet away from an intersection.
State vehicle codes prohibit driving on the left side of the road when approaching within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
3
Synthesize pavement markings with statutory safety rules.
The 100-foot intersection passing prohibition overrides the general permission granted by the broken yellow pavement line.
Statutory safety restrictions take precedence over general lane line permissions.

Key Concept

Interaction between pavement marking permissions and statutory passing prohibitions near intersections
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question

Topics

Pavement Markings and Lane Lines

More questions from this topic