You are traveling behind a slow-moving agricultural tractor on a two-lane highway at 40 mph. The pavement has a broken yellow line on your side, but you observe an upcoming railroad grade crossing warning sign located 90 feet ahead. Which of the following statements correctly describes your legal obligation regarding passing in this scenario?
- Maintain your lane position behind the tractor and delay passing until you have traveled at least 100 feet past the railroad crossing.Answer
- BInitiate the passing maneuver immediately because a broken yellow line grants permission to overtake whenever oncoming traffic is clear.
- CAccelerate beyond the posted speed limit temporarily to complete the pass before reaching the tracks.
- DDrive onto the paved right shoulder to pass the slow tractor before reaching the railroad crossing.
Answer
The driver must remain behind the vehicle ahead and refrain from passing until cleared past the railroad crossing by at least 100 feet.
Under traffic safety laws, drivers are explicitly forbidden from driving on the left side of the center line to pass within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, or tunnel. Even though broken yellow lines normally indicate passing is permitted, specific hazard proximity rules take precedence.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Statutory Passing Restrictions Near Railroad Crossings and Intersections