by Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: Can you explain what the lines on the highways and streets indicate? I feel like a lot of people can’t figure it out. Thanks.

Answer: Pavement markings direct and regulate traffic.

White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.

· White dashes: You can change lanes where this marking is present.

· Shorter and thicker white dashes: The lane is ending.

· Solid white line: You should not change lanes. Solid white lines also mark crosswalks, stop lines at intersections, parking stalls and the edges of a roadway.

· Double solid white lines: You must not change lanes.

· Solid white line with bicycle insignia: This area is for bicycle or electric-assist bicycle traffic only.

· If you are on a bicycle, you must travel in the same direction as adjacent traffic.

Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

· Solid yellow line: You must not pass. Passing in a no-passing zone is illegal.

· Yellow dashes: You may pass.

· Mixed lines (solid and dashes): A solid yellow line may appear on one side of the roadway while

a line of dashes appears on the other side. You must obey the marking in your lane of traffic.

· Double solid yellow lines: You must not pass, regardless of which side of the line you are driving.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)