Tags show the kind of rule and whether it’s a written-test point or matters on the drive test (our tagging). Each rule links to its official source.
Edge lines are the solid lines along the road’s sides that separate the travel lane from the shoulder. Driving over one is illegal unless a police officer or other authorized official tells you to, or an official sign permits it.
Law Written test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
If the edge line slants in toward the middle of the road, the road narrows ahead.
Law Written test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
Color tells direction: white lines divide lanes going your way; yellow lines divide you from oncoming traffic. Either can be single or double, solid or broken.
Law Written test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
Single broken line: passing and lane changes are allowed, as long as it’s safe and you don’t cut anyone off.
Law Written test · Drive test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
Solid line beside a broken line: on the solid side, don’t pass or cross except to turn left into a driveway; on the broken side, you may pass when it’s safe and won’t disrupt traffic.
Law Written test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
Double solid lines: no passing and no lane changes. Cross them only to turn left into or out of the road, such as to or from a driveway, or to make a legal U-turn.
Law Written test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
Single solid line: cross it to pass or change lanes only if you need to, because something is blocking the road or traffic conditions call for it.
California differs: California’s handbook calls a single solid white line a divider between lanes going the same way, and says not to cross solid lines when merging, exiting or entering a left-turn lane. New York’s manual lets you cross a single solid line only when an obstruction or traffic makes it necessary. California rule
Law Written test · Drive test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
When a sign, light or officer requires you to stop, stop before the white stop line; if there is none, stop before the crosswalk (two parallel lines across the road).
Law Written test · Drive test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
Don’t stop at a stop line or crosswalk for no reason: stop there when a light, sign or officer tells you to, or when someone on foot, on skates or on a scooter is in a crosswalk, marked or not.
Law Written test · Drive test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
A stop line may be set back from the intersection to give tractor-trailers, buses and trucks room to turn. Stop behind it, even if that feels far back.
Law Written test · Drive test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
Painted arrows assign each lane its moves, e.g. right turns only from the right lane. Pick your lane before the solid line between lanes begins.
Law Written test · Drive test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
A diamond symbol marks a lane reserved for buses, HOVs such as carpools and vanpools, bicycles or other special vehicles. While the posted restriction is in effect, stay out unless your vehicle qualifies.
Law Written test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control
On city streets, where the solid line beside a diamond lane turns into a broken line, other vehicles may enter that lane to turn right at the next intersection.
Law Written test NY Driver’s Manual, ch. 4: Traffic Control