What do Double Yellow Lines Mean?
In Texas, double solid yellow lines indicate no passing zones for either side of traffic. Solid double yellow lines specify areas of the road that have been determined to be dangerous places for people to safely pass other drivers on the road due to low visibility or unsafe traffic conditions. When you come across a set of double yellow lines in the road, you are not permitted to pass vehicles in front of you.
In addition to solid double yellow lines, drivers may come across double yellow lines where one line is solid and the other is dashed. When a driver comes across a solid and dashed set of yellow lines, they must be aware of which line is closest to their vehicle. If the dashed yellow line is closest to your vehicle, you may pass in the left lane if it is safe to do so. However, if the solid yellow line if closest to your vehicle, the same laws as for a solid double yellow line apply and you are prohibited from passing on the left.
When am I Allowed to Cross Double Yellow Lines While Driving?
According to Texas Transportation Code § 545.055, there are only two exceptions to the law prohibiting crossing double yellow lines in Texas. The first exception to the law is if you are making a left turn. Texas drivers are permitted to cross double yellow lines if they need to make a left turn into a driveway, private road, or an intersection as long as it is safe to do so. The second exception to the law banning the crossing of double yellow lines is if the driver needs to avoid an obstruction in the road. Drivers are allowed to cross double yellow lines if there is debris or other obstacles in the road preventing them from driving in their lane. However, drivers must ensure that it is safe to cross the double yellow lines before passing the obstruction in the road. Other than these two exceptions, there are no other legal reasons for a driver to cross solid double yellow lines on the road. Additionally, while these exceptions exist, drivers must ensure that they are able to cross the solid double yellow lines safely and without endangering other drivers or pedestrians.
What Are the Punishments for Crossing Double Yellow Lines Illegally?
If you are caught crossing solid double yellow lines illegally, you may receive a traffic citation and be required to pay a fine. The fine you have to pay can vary depending on the circumstances; however, traffic fines are generally punishable by up to $200.
In addition to receiving a traffic citation and paying a fine, if you cross solid double yellow lines, legally or illegally, and cause an accident, you may be considered negligent and held liable for damages. The Texas Transportation Code specifies that a driver cannot turn across double yellow lines unless the turn can be made safely and without disrupting traffic. If a driver fails to ensure that it is safe to turn across double yellow lines, their actions may be seen as negligent if the turn results in an accident. This negligence would leave the driver liable to pay for damages to the other person’s vehicle, injuries caused by the accident, and other potential personal injury claims.
What Should I Do if I Was Hit in a Double Yellow Line Accident?
If you were the victim of an accident where the other driver crossed double yellow lines, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damages, lost wages, and more. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we understand that the injuries and damages caused by a negligent driver can be detrimental, and we are here to help. Our experienced Houston car accident attorneys will guide you through the legal process, work to establish the other driver’s negligence, and do everything we can to fight for the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call (713) 932-0777.
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