Double Yellow Line: What to Know & What Not to Do
Wondering whether it’s legal to cross double yellow lines on a highway or other roadway? In this article we’ll explain what you need to know about a double yellow line in Virginia and give you tips for what to do and what not to do. Read on to find out important road rules and what you need to know about whether you can cross a double yellow line.
Double Yellow Lines
A double solid yellow line or two solid yellow lines mark a separation in traffic traveling in the opposite direction. A double solid yellow line is mostly used on the left edge of divided roadways and on one way roads. Whenever a double yellow center line is present, motorists must drive to the right of the sold yellow line to prevent impeding or colliding with oncoming traffic.
Double Solid Yellow Line
Regarding a double yellow line, Virginia law states:
“Wherever a highway is marked with double traffic lines consisting of two immediately adjacent solid yellow lines, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of such lines, except:
(i) when turning left; or
(ii) in order to pass a pedestrian or a device moved by human power, including a bicycle, skateboard, or foot-scooter, provided such movement can be made safely.” Virginia Code § 46.2-804.
So, what does this mean? Basically, this means that it IS ILLEGAL to cross a double yellow line UNLESS you turn left or are passing a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter. Double yellow lines on a roadway essentially mean a “solid wall” that you should not cross. You should not drive on, over, or cross a double yellow line on a roadway, unless you are making a left turn. It is also illegal make a u-turn across a double yellow line.
Broken Yellow Lines
If there is a broken yellow line, this means you can pass slower moving vehicles on the left when if it is safe to do so. When there is one broken yellow line and one single solid yellow line, traffic traveling adjacent to the solid line is not allowed to pass (no passing zone). A no passing zone prohibits passing in that lane of travel and prevents head-on collisions with oncoming traffic. A no passing zone is often found as drivers approach intersections that have limited sight distances or other unique conditions.
A broken line is typically used to mark a passing zone on one side of traffic.
Personal Injury Attorneys: Solid Double Yellow Line
If you’ve been injured in an accident where someone has crossed a solid yellow line, you will likely be contacted by the at fault party’s insurance representative very quickly. Sometimes, insurance companies will try to call injured parties from a crossing yellow lines case as soon as the day after an accident. Before you talk to any insurance company, you should get the advice of an experienced car accident lawyer. Most lawyers will give you a free consultation to talk about what you might be entitled to receive. At the Ritchie Law Firm, you can talk to an experienced car accident lawyer for free . . . NO STRINGS ATTACHED!!
Whether the insurance company contacts you quickly or not, the faster you seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer, the better. When someone crosses a solid yellow line and causes a crash, prompt investigation is critical to successfully recovering money damages in your case. Because such accidents are devastating, making sure that things like skid mark measurements and impact marks are preserved, in addition to taking photos of the yellow lines and any other road marking, any traffic control devices, traffic signs, etc. are often essential to a good recovery.
Experienced Car Accident Lawyers
The five lawyers at the Ritchie Law Firm have more 145 years of combined experienced handling truck accident cases. See our tractor trailer accident Case Results here. Throughout the nearly half century history of the Ritchie Law Firm, our lawyers have handled thousands of devastating crash cases involving serious and complex injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, multiple bone fractures, and even death.
You should not have to bear the financial burden of negligence caused by negligent truck drivers. Truck accidents are devastating. At the Ritchie Law Firm, we can help you hold the other driver accountable and help you get the compensation you need to pay your bills and recover.
Talk with a Virginia and West Virginia Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered significant injuries as a result of a car accident in Virginia or West Virginia, Ritchie Law Firm is here to help. The experienced, certified attorneys at the Ritchie Law Firm has helped thousands of injured victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve after an accident.
DON’T GET HURT TWICE!! Your legal team at the Ritchie Law Firm will make them pay for their recklessness. We have helped thousands of injured people get the money they deserve after they’ve been injured. Call today to get your free case evaluation and free consultation — 800-277-6124.
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Ritchie Law Firm is a personal injury law firm devoted to helping individuals who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries or lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence. Ritchie Law Firm serves all of Virginia, while helping clients in cities and surrounding areas of Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Winchester also serves clients in West Virginia, including Martinsburg, WV. We are a team of East End car accident attorney and Virginia Beach rear end accident attorney ready to assist you.
