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Combined lines
At combined lines, road users must comply with the line closest to them. A vehicle that has crossed into a lane for oncoming traffic may nevertheless return to the right-hand side of the road. A double yellow warning line indicates the separation between lanes in which the direction of travel may be varied.
When you see the sign
Look at which of the two lines is closest to your lane, and follow the rule for that line. If the solid line is closest, you must not drive on or cross it; if the broken line is closest, you may cross it when it is safe and permitted under the other rules.
Rules
- You must always follow the line in the combination that is closest to your lane.
- If the solid line is closest, it is prohibited to drive on or cross it.
- If the broken line is closest, you may cross the road marking when this can be done safely and without breaking any other traffic rules.
- If you have legally moved into the lane for oncoming traffic, you may cross the lines to return to the right-hand side of the road.
- Combined yellow lines normally separate traffic travelling in opposite directions.
Tips
- Look at the line closest to your vehicle, not the line on the other side of the combination.
- Check visibility and oncoming traffic before crossing from the side with the broken line.
- Complete an overtaking manoeuvre in good time so that you can return to the right-hand side of the road in a controlled manner.
- Remember that being allowed to cross the road marking does not automatically mean that overtaking is safe or legal.
Common misconceptions
- Many people think that both directions of travel follow the same rule because the lines are next to each other.
- Some follow the broken line even though the solid line is closest to their own lane.
- Some people think that a driver already in the lane for oncoming traffic cannot cross back when the solid line is closest.
Test yourself
Easy
Which line should you follow when you encounter this marking?
- AYou must always follow the broken line in the marking.
- BYou must follow the line that is farthest from your lane.
- CYou must always follow the solid line in the marking.
- DYou must follow the line that is closest to your lane.
Medium
You are in your own lane, and the solid line is closest to you. What do you do if you want to overtake?
- AYou drive on the marking without crossing completely over it.
- BYou remain in your lane and refrain from crossing the marking.
- CYou cross the marking if there is no oncoming traffic.
- DYou cross the marking because the other line is broken.
Hard
What is the broken yellow line in this particular version, and what does it imply?
- AIt is a solid line, and it cannot be crossed from either side.
- BIt is a lane line, and crossing takes place in accordance with trafikkreglene.
- CIt is a warning line, and it indicates visibility that is too short for normal overtaking.
- DIt is a guide line, and it shows the direction of travel through an intersection.
Theory test tip
In the theory test, the common trap is to see a broken line and answer that crossing is permitted. First identify the vehicle or direction of travel shown in the illustration, and assess only the line closest to that side.
Did you know
Combined lines mean that crossing may be permitted from one direction of travel and prohibited from the other at the same location. This is used, among other places, where visibility differs in the two directions.
Frequently asked questions
Which line should I follow?
You should follow the line closest to your lane. The line on the other side applies to traffic coming from the opposite direction.
Can I overtake when the broken line is closest?
The road marking itself does not prohibit you from crossing from this side. However, the overtaking manoeuvre must still be carried out safely and be permitted under the other traffic rules.
Can I cross back if the solid line is closest after overtaking?
Yes. A driver who has moved into the lane for oncoming traffic may cross back to reach the right-hand side of the road.
What does it mean that the lines are yellow?
As a general rule, yellow road markings are used between lanes carrying traffic in opposite directions. White road markings are normally used between lanes carrying traffic in the same direction.
Practise for the theory test
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