INDIANA FIELD GUIDE
Lanes, turns & passing.
Use the right lane, a clear signal, and a deliberate check.
Yellow lines separate opposing traffic; white lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. A broken line may permit a lane change or pass when it is safe, but the marking does not cancel other restrictions. Do not pass across a solid yellow line on your side of the center line.
Change one lane at a time. Check ahead, check mirrors, briefly look toward the lane for blind-spot traffic, signal, and move smoothly when there is enough space. Weaving between lanes increases collision risk.
Keep these in mind.
- Passing is prohibited on or approaching curves, near the crest of a hill, and within 100 feet of intersections, railroad crossings, bridges, viaducts, or tunnels.
- Before returning after a pass, see the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror and signal your return. Do not speed up when another driver passes you.
- A shared center left-turn lane is for left turns, never for passing.
- If you miss an interstate exit, continue to the next one. Do not back up or cross the median to recover it.
Rules and worked examples.
Driving rules below summarize the official manual. Safety recommendations explain its practical guidance; example numbers are not additional legal requirements.
Driving rule
Check the marking and the location before passing
Do not pass with a solid yellow line on your side, a No Passing Zone or Do Not Pass sign, on or approaching a curve, near a hillcrest, or within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
Example. The center line is broken, but a railroad crossing is 80 feet ahead. Stay behind the vehicle. A broken line does not override the crossing restriction.
Why it matters. A passing opportunity must satisfy all applicable restrictions, not just the painted line.
Driving rule
A signal requests space; it does not create it
Signal before turning or changing lanes. Change one lane at a time after checking the road ahead, mirrors, and your blind spot. Return after passing only when you can see the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror and it is safe.
- Check the lane ahead and your mirrors.
- Briefly turn your head to check the blind spot.
- Signal, check that space remains, and move smoothly into one lane.
Example. You signal to move right, then see a motorcycle beside your rear door during the shoulder check. Stay in your lane until it passes and a safe space opens.
Why it matters. A vehicle can be beside you without appearing in a mirror.
Driving rule
Center turn lanes and missed exits
A shared center lane is for left turns, not passing. Never make a U-turn on an interstate; use the next exit to change direction. Do not back up or cross a highway median after missing an exit.
Example. Traffic is queued behind a turning car. Do not use the center left-turn lane to drive past the queue. If you later miss your interstate exit, continue to the next exit and plan a legal route back.
Why it matters. Other vehicles may enter the center lane from the opposite direction; reversing on a highway creates a severe collision risk.