What does a broken centerline on a roadway indicate?

A broken centerline on a roadway indicates that passing is allowed if it is safe to do so. This marking signifies that drivers can move into the opposing lane to overtake another vehicle when the road is clear and there are no oncoming vehicles. The presence of a broken line communicates to drivers that they have the opportunity to pass, provided they ensure that the maneuver can be executed safely without endangering themselves or others.

On the other hand, a solid centerline would indicate that passing is not allowed, which helps to prevent accidents in areas where visibility may be limited or where it is otherwise unsafe to overtake another vehicle. The misunderstanding of centerline markings could lead to unsafe driving behaviors, thus highlighting the importance of recognizing what these markings mean for road safety and traffic flow.