What do double yellow lines indicate?

Double yellow lines indicate that passing is prohibited in both directions. This traffic marking is essential for maintaining safety on the road, especially in areas where visibility is limited or where passing would be particularly hazardous, such as on curves or near intersections. The presence of double yellow lines serves as a clear visual cue to drivers that they must remain in their lane and not cross over for the purpose of overtaking another vehicle.

Understanding this marking is crucial for drivers to follow safe driving practices and to avoid accidents. The other options provide incorrect interpretations of double yellow lines, such as suggesting that it allows for passing or that it designates bike lanes, which do not accurately reflect the regulations that are signified by this type of road marking.