A driver is traveling in a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on a multi-lane expressway that is separated from adjacent general-purpose traffic lanes by a painted buffer zone consisting of two solid white lines. The driver notices that their intended freeway exit ramp is approximately one-quarter of a mile ahead on the far right side of the roadway. Traffic in the general lanes is moving smoothly. Which of the following actions is the driver legally required to take in this situation?
- Continue traveling in the HOV lane past the desired exit until reaching a designated break in the solid lines marked with broken white pavement lines.Answer
- BCross the double solid white lines immediately after signaling continuously for at least 100 feet if no vehicles are in the adjacent blind spot.
- CAccelerate past the posted maximum speed limit to reach an opening ahead before traffic density increases.
- DPull onto the paved left shoulder and stop until traffic clears sufficiently to permit crossing across all traffic lanes safely.
Answer
The driver must remain in the HOV lane and proceed past the intended exit until reaching a designated section with broken white pavement markings where lane crossing is explicitly permitted.
Double solid white lines on expressways define preferential or restricted lanes (such as HOV or express lanes) and legally prohibit drivers from changing lanes or crossing the buffer zone. A driver who cannot legally change lanes before an exit must continue driving in the designated lane until reaching an authorized access point marked by broken white lines, even if this requires missing the intended exit.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Expressway Pavement Markings and Preferential Lane Usage Regulations
Estimated Time:1m 30s