Is the center line of the road solid or dashed?
3 Answers
Road center lines are divided into double solid lines, one solid and one dashed line, and single dashed lines. Double solid lines cannot be crossed for overtaking, while single dashed lines can. For one solid and one dashed line, overtaking is allowed on the dashed side but not on the solid side. Below is additional information: 1. Road center line: The road center line is an important feature line in road geometric design and a crucial control line in road traffic management. From a spatial geometric perspective, it refers to the characteristic line formed by sequentially connecting the center points of the road width from the start to the end of the road, reflecting the road's planar position and curvature changes. In traffic management, it serves as a dividing line to separate the driving spaces for vehicles traveling in opposite directions. 2. Consideration for fire lanes: Roads within blocks should accommodate the passage of fire trucks, and the distance between road center lines should not exceed 160 meters. When the length of a building along the street exceeds 150 meters or the total length exceeds 220 meters, a fire lane passing through the building should be provided. If this is not feasible, a circular fire lane should be established.
Having driven for over twenty years, I've noticed that the center line on the road isn't fixed—sometimes it's solid, sometimes dashed. In city streets, solid lines are common, meaning no overtaking, safety first. On highways, dashed lines dominate the main lanes, allowing overtaking, but they turn solid near curves or tunnels, warning you not to cross. I remember once mistakenly crossing a solid line to overtake on a suburban road and nearly colliding with an oncoming car—a big lesson. The rules are smart: dashed lines let you speed up and save time, while solid lines ensure safety in risky areas. Bottom line: learn to read the lines—dashed on straight roads, solid at curves or hazard spots—and make it a habit to avoid violations and accidents.
As a veteran driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, the changing solid and dashed lines at the center of the road are a daily focus. Typically, dashed lines on straight sections allow safe overtaking, while solid lines in hazardous areas like tunnels or uphill sections prohibit crossing. This is crucial—solid lines indicate potential risks and help reduce collision rates. I've noticed urban arterial roads have frequent dashed lines, whereas rural mountain roads often feature dense solid lines around curves. The key is to observe signs in advance and immediately adjust driving behavior when transitioning between dashed and solid lines. Never underestimate these markings—they directly impact trip smoothness, especially during nighttime driving when extra caution is needed. Following the rules not only protects yourself but also demonstrates basic respect for road safety.
