What are the laws about crossing double yellow lines?

In California, it is illegal to cross a double yellow line. This includes when you are making a left turn or passing another vehicle. According to the California Vehicle Code, a driver cannot cross over a double yellow line “unless it is reasonably necessary to do so to continue on their intended course of travel.” This means you must be able to prove that crossing the line is necessary in order to reach your destination safely. A double yellow line indicates a no-passing zone, which means that a driver is not allowed to pass another vehicle within the confines of the line. Though some exceptions are made in certain situations, such as when another vehicle is stopped in the road, it is generally best to avoid crossing a double yellow line to pass. In addition, drivers are not allowed to enter a median (a strip of land separating two roads) between two double yellow lines. The median is designed to keep traffic flowing in opposite directions, and entering it can create a dangerous situation. In some cases, it is legal to cross a double yellow line when turning left onto a side road. However, drivers must always be sure to look both ways before crossing the line, and must exercise extreme caution when doing so. In summary, crossing a double yellow line is illegal in California unless it is necessary for the driver to reach their destination safely. Drivers should avoid crossing the lines, except in cases where it is absolutely necessary, and always use extra caution when doing so.

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