Rhode Island permit test: roadway markings
Lane lines, shared left turn lanes, carpool lanes and pavement painting. 11 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember8 key roadway markings rulesShow the rules
- Drivers should not enter a shared turn lane unless they intend to turn within 100 feet. (p. 38, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Yellow lines separate traffic traveling in opposite directions; white lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. (p. 38, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Solid yellow lines prohibit passing, but exceptions exist for things like legal turns and objects in the road. (p. 38, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- You may cross solid lines in an emergency, such as a breakdown, an object in the road, a turn or parking. (p. 38, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Broken yellow lines separate opposing traffic and allow passing with care. (p. 38, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Solid lines separate lanes where passing and changing lanes are not permitted, though you may cross in an emergency. (p. 38, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- HOV stands for High Occupancy Vehicle; these lanes are for carpooling. (p. 39, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- On reversible lanes, motorists may travel in a lane showing a green arrow. (p. 39, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample roadway markings questions
1.What does a shared-lane marking in the center of a travel lane tell drivers?
- AThe lane is closed ahead
- BBicycles may not use this lane
- CA bicyclist may use the full lane
- DCars must stay in the center of the lane
Show the answer
✓ C. A bicyclist may use the full lane
A shared-lane marking in the center of a travel lane shows that a bicyclist may use the full lane and alerts drivers where cyclists will ride.
2.A solid white line separates your lane from the next one. What does this usually mean?
- AThe lane ends in 100 feet
- BPassing is encouraged
- CLane changes are restricted
- DYou must change lanes now
Show the answer
✓ C. Lane changes are restricted
Solid lines separate lanes where passing and changing lanes are not permitted, though you may cross in an emergency.
3.A center lane has solid yellow lines on the outside and broken yellow lines inside, with turn arrows. What is it?
- AA passing lane
- BA breakdown lane
- CA shared turn lane
- DA bus-only lane
Show the answer
✓ C. A shared turn lane
A shared turn lane is the center lane set off by solid yellow lines outside and broken yellow lines inside, with arrows painted on the pavement.
4.What do yellow lines on the road separate?
- ATraffic moving in the same direction
- BTraffic moving in opposite directions
- CParking spaces from travel lanes
- DBike lanes from car lanes
Show the answer
✓ B. Traffic moving in opposite directions
Yellow lines separate traffic traveling in opposite directions; white lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.