Dealing with double solid lines

Knowing the rules around double solid lines will help everyone stay safe on our roadways and reduce collisions.  

Regarding double solid lines, the Motor Vehicle Act states that the driver of a vehicle must drive it to the right of the line only, which means you cannot pass someone over a double solid line. There are however, a couple of exceptions:  

• If the driver of a vehicle is causing the vehicle to enter or leave a highway and the driver has ascertained that he or she might do so with safety and does so without unreasonably affecting the travel of another vehicle, then the driver may cross the line. In other words, if you are turning into a driveway or a parking lot, and you can do it without unreasonably affecting the vehicles behind you, you are allowed to turn across a double solid line.
• If there is a gap in the double solid lines where another street meets the highway, you are allowed to turn as you normally would in places where there are no double solid lines.

The key thing to remember if turning left over a double solid is to keep in mind the safety of yourself and other road users. Brake and signal well in advance so other drivers do not have to slam on their brakes. Shoulder check to ensure no pedestrians or cyclists are crossing the intersection. Regardless of where you are turning left, if you notice a long line of cars backing up behind you, consider turning at an alternate intersection if possible, to allow through traffic to proceed.