Two parallel, unbroken yellow lines painted on the roadway’s surface establish a no-passing zone. This marking indicates that drivers are prohibited from crossing these lines to overtake or pass other vehicles. The restriction applies to traffic moving in either direction along the stretch of road marked by the double solid lines. For instance, on a two-lane highway, this marking consistently signifies that passing is unsafe due to limited visibility or other hazardous conditions.
This road marking is essential for promoting traffic safety and preventing collisions, especially on roadways with curves, hills, or intersections where visibility is restricted. Its consistent application across jurisdictions creates a uniform expectation for drivers, reducing ambiguity and enhancing predictability on the road. Historically, reliance on driver judgment for passing decisions led to accidents; the implementation of this standardized marking has significantly mitigated associated risks.