A broken white line separating lanes of traffic indicates that drivers are permitted to cross it to change lanes or overtake another vehicle when safe to do so. This marking contrasts with a solid white line, which designates a barrier that generally should not be crossed.
The ability to legally cross these lane markings is fundamental to traffic flow and efficiency. It allows for passing slower vehicles, merging into different lanes, and accessing turn lanes or exits. This flexibility contributes to smoother traffic movement and reduces congestion. Historically, the standardization of pavement markings, including broken white lines, has been crucial to the development of safe and efficient roadways. These visual cues provide clear guidance to drivers, reducing ambiguity and the potential for accidents.
