What driver actions are required and allowed on Canadian two-way roadway sections marked with a single solid yellow centerline (SSYCL) and how do they differ on roads marked with a double solid yellow centerline (DSYCL)? In the USA, a SSYCL is not a permitted centerline configuration, per the US Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. It is valid only for marking the left-hand edge of the roadways of divided highways and one-way streets or ramps. A single solid yellow line shall not be used [in the USA] as a center line marking on a two-way roadway. What criteria control the installation of SSYCLs vs. DSYCLs in Canada?
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Canada’s MUTCD doesn’t seem to be online, but here’s what a BC driving school has to say about the subject:
Single Solid Line
Means that passing is allowed in both directions - with extreme caution. This may be because of a narrower roadway, frequent rises and dips in elevation, or even frequent turns and curves with limited visibility.
The other styles of lines match their American counterparts, as best I can tell.
Single solids are typically the same as a US double solid, no passing on either side. From the BC standards book. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/driving-and-transportation/transportation-infrastructure/engineering-standards-and-guidelines/traffic-engineering-and-safety/traffic-engineering/traffic-signs-and-pavement-markings/manual_signs_pavement_marking.pdf The rest of the country is pretty much the same.
PAVEMENT MARKINGS CHAPTER 7
September 2000 7.2
Ministry of
Transportation
7.1 Materials
The most common method of marking pavement is by means of paint; however, a
wide variety of other suitable marking products are available.
arking material used in the vicinity of pedestrian or bicycle traffic should not present
tripping or excessive slipping hazards.
All materials must be approved for use by the Ministry of Transportation and
Highways Geotechnical and Materials Engineering Branch. (Ref. Standard
Specifications for Highway Construction Sec. 321 and the Recognized Product
List)
7.2 Longitudinal Pavement Markings
Longitudinal pavement markings, as shown in Figure 7.1, shall conform to the
following:
7.2.1 Colors
Yellow lines (directional dividing lines) delineate the separation of traffic traveling in
opposite directions. Yellow lines are also used to mark the left edge line of divided
highways and one way roadways, which includes portions of freeway/expressway
ramps. Yellow lines are also used to mark both sides of two-way left turn lanes.
Thanks, swampspruce. I’ve seen a lot of movies shot in Canada lately and have seen a lot of the SSYCLs on the roads. I tried to check for the Canadian MUTCD but I also found it not to be on line but available for sale for $750. BTW the US MUTCD is undergoing rewrite at this time, for the 10th edition.
Here’s what the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook says:
In my experience, single yellow lines are used for two-lane streets, like in big box territory or on larger streets in residential areas. (They’re also used on the left edge of the left lane when there’s a ditch between the ongoing traffic.)
I guess the rationale is that the highway department uses a double line on major highways, to allow for passing by using broken lines for one lane, but a single line is used when there’s not supposed to be any passing at all.
In Alberta single solid yellow is mostly on city streets in urban areas and towns, indicating passing is not allowed. I think some tertiary highways may have single solids, but there are plenty of range roads that have no markings
Drivers will regularly cross a solid yellow in urban areas to access a business or home. I recall reading previously that this was permitted in rural areas but not urban. Drivers will cross in the most irresponsible and inappropriate areas for convenience because we are a lazy lot that does not plan accordingly.