pavement markings

Ask a Trooper: What do all the lines on highways, street mean
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
November 25, 2025
Question: Can you explain what the lines on the highways and streets indicate? I feel like a lot of people can’t figure it out. Thanks. Answer: Pavement markings direct and regulate traffic. White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. •White dashes: You can change lanes where this marking is present. •Shorter and thicker white dashes: The lane is ending. •Solid…