When Can You Cross a Double Yellow Line?

It's almost always illegal to drive to the left of the center of a road marked by a solid double yellow line. It even can be illegal to cross a double yellow line to pass an extremely slow-moving vehicle. However, state laws about double yellow lines vary, and most states provide some exceptions to their general rules.

What Does a Double Yellow Line Mean?

Under most circumstances, a solid double yellow line in the center of the road means it's against the law for vehicles traveling in either direction to cross the double line.

If there is one dotted (also called "broken" or "dashed") yellow line in the center of the road, vehicles in both directions can cross the center line to pass—if there's no oncoming traffic or other hazards.

If there's a dotted yellow line next to one solid yellow line, then traffic traveling on the side next to the dotted line can pass if it's safe to do so—traffic traveling in the opposite direction can't legally pass.

When Can You Cross a Double Yellow Line?

State laws generally prohibit crossing a solid double yellow line in most circumstances. But state laws vary. So, before you think it's okay to cross double yellow lines, make sure you know the law in the state where you're driving.

Here are some common situations when it might be legal to cross solid double yellow lines. (Your state might have additional circumstances when it's legal to cross a solid double yellow line.)

Turning Left Onto Another Road or Into or Out of a Private Driveway

Your state law may permit you to cross a solid double yellow line to turn left onto a street. For instance, one street might end at another street that has a solid double yellow line. It generally is permissible to cross the double yellow line to turn left from one street to the other. You also may cross a double yellow line to turn into or out of a private driveway in most cases.

In California, for instance, you may cross a solid double yellow line if you're making a left turn at an intersection or turning into or out of a driveway or private road. (Cal. Veh. Code § 21460(d)(1) (2024).)

Making a Legal U-Turn

In some states, you legally can cross a solid double yellow line to make a U-turn. But you'll also need to know what the general laws for making a U-turn are. For instance, your state might require you to have an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic before making a U-turn. So, even if you can cross a solid double yellow line to make a U-turn, it would be illegal to do so at a curve in the road or on a hill.

Passing a Bicycle

Laws regarding passing bicycles vary from state to state. In some states, you legally can cross a solid double yellow line to pass a bicycle. For instance, Virginia allows motorists to cross the center double yellow line to pass pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicle moved by human power—like a skateboard—if it's safe to do so. (Va. Code § 46.2-804(6) (2024).)

Some states have extra protections for cyclists—such as requiring motorists to pass a bicycle only if there's at least 3 feet of clearance between the car and the bike. So, even if your state allows you to cross a double yellow line to pass a cyclist, make sure to find out if there are other laws about passing bicycles.

Avoiding an Obstruction

You generally can cross a solid double yellow line if there's an obstruction—like a broken down car or a tree branch—in your lane of travel. But your state law likely allows you to cross the double line to avoid an obstruction only when it's safe to do so.

Penalties for Illegally Crossing Double Yellow Lines

If a law enforcement officer catches you illegally crossing over a double yellow line, you will likely get a ticket and will face a fine. Fines vary by state, but you could be looking at anywhere from $100 to $300. You also could see an increase in your insurance rates.

You might also receive points on your driver's license for the moving violation. If you cause an accident after illegally crossing a double yellow line, the consequences will be more severe—you could become financially liable for the other driver's damages and injuries.

Getting Legal Help

If believe that you were wrongly ticketed for illegally crossing a double yellow line, you might be able to fight your ticket yourself. However, if the incident resulted in an accident, or if you also received other violations—such as DUI or reckless driving—consider getting help from a lawyer who can help you understand your options and present your best defense in court.