Pavement Line Markings in Delaware
Below in picture #6-5 you will find “5” questions. The “5” questions relate to the “6” sets of pavement line markings appearing in the picture.
| 1 — Single Solid Yellow Line | 4 — Single Solid White Line |
| 2 — Double Solid Yellow Line | 5 — Double Solid White Lines |
| 3 — Broken Yellow Lines | 6 — Broken White Lines |
Picture #6-5
Before “The D Team” provides the answers it is important to be aware that Delaware Law for some unknown reason is silent as to the meaning of PAVEMENT LINE MARKINGS. Therefore, the following answers come from THE MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) which DelDOT claims as their own controlling document.
QUESTION #1: Which line number(s) permit left turns?
ANSWER: YELLOW LINES (1/2/3): Yellow lines permit left-turns — see picture directly below.
When turning left across a yellow line, the great majority of turns are into a driveway (black & yellow arrow) or a business facility.
QUESTION #2: Which line number(s) permit right turns?
ANSWER: SINGLE SOLID WHITE LINE (4): When the solid white line is the SHOULDER of the road (yellow & black arrow in picture below) you can turn right across the SOLID WHITE LINE to enter a driveway or business complex.
QUESTION #3: What is the difference between passing and lane changing?
ANSWER: Passing requires a return to your original lane like picture #6-8 below. Lane changing provides the choice of remaining in your new lane or returning to your original lane like picture #6-9 below.
Picture #6-8
PASSING: Obviously, a return to your original lane would be necessary.
Picture #6-9
LANE CHANGE: Pick your lane and stay there if you want. You can also change again.
QUESTION #4: Which line number(s) permit lane changing?
ANSWER: A SINGLE SOLID WHITE LINE (4) & A BROKEN WHITE LINE (6): It is generally known by Delaware motorists that lane changes are permitted by crossing a broken white line. However, lane changing across a solid white line is not as well understood. Perhaps the best way to understand the single solid white line is to recognize it as a stronger caution to lane changing than broken white lines. A single solid white line DISCOURAGES changing lanes like the picture below.
SOLID WHITE LINES are generally used to DISCOURAGE changing lanes when approaching traffic signal controlled intersections. SOLID WHITE LINES are also used to DISCOURAGE lane changing into a turn lane when approaching traffic signal controlled intersections.
QUESTION #5: Which line number(s) permits passing?
ANSWER: BROKEN YELLOW LINES (3) and SINGLE SOLID WHITE LINES (4): The BROKEN YELLOW LINE is the simple answer — pass and return to your original lane (no picture necessary). However, the SINGLE SOLID WHITE LINE is a little more complicated — it is legal to pass left turning traffic on the right using the SHOULDER of the road if necessary.
SPECIAL TRAFFIC TICKET ALERT: Please remember it is illegal to enter a right-turn lane from the shoulder of the road like the picture below.
“The D Team” understands the temptation is high to enter the right-turn lane from the shoulder when traffic in the through lane is backed-up and you can see a clear path to the right-turn lane by using the shoulder. It is even more tempting when you can see in your right side-view mirror a line of illegal motorists about to make your move into the right-turn lane a little less safe. However, it is still illegal. The best advice “The D Team” can offer is the advice from Chapter #3 — “YOU BE THE JUDGE”!
