Community Outreach, Traffic Safety Division

First Friday Fun Fact

The Corpus Christi Police Department will begin a campaign called “First Friday Fun Fact” that will focus on different Texas traffic laws.  It will run on the first Friday of each month. 

TURNING LEFT OVER DOUBLE-YELLOW LINES
One of the biggest misconceptions in the arena of lane markings is the meaning of the double-yellow line with regards to left turns.  A double-yellow line simply means “no passing”; it does not prohibit left turns.  In fact, you are specifically permitted by statute to turn left over double yellow lines:

PASSING TO THE LEFT:  PASSING ZONES

(b)  An operator may not drive on the left side of the roadway in a no-passing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark a no-passing zone.  This subsection does not prohibit a driver from crossing pavement striping, or the center line in a no-passing zone marked by signs only, to make a left turn into or out of an alley or private road or driveway.

Additional information
There is an exception to the above rule: if there are two sets of double-yellow lines, you may not cross over at all, including for left turns.  These areas are defined as “flush median islands.”  As such, they have the same purpose and function as a physical traffic island and are legally enforceable as a “dividing space.”  (see below.)  These areas often also have diagonal hash markings to help emphasize that they’re off-limits.