“ASK A TROOPER” by Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: Is it ever okay to cross a median island created by yellow crosshatch marks between two sets of double solid yellow lines?  My husband thinks the crosshatch marks make a left turn lane, but I thought a set of double solid yellow lines make a “wall” and it’s illegal to cross them.

Answer: You are correct. Traffic is not allowed in the “cross-hatched” area. It is neither a turn lane nor a shared center lane. The double solid yellow lines prohibit driving into the area.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota, please send your questions to:  Trooper Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.  Or reach me at jesse.grabow@state.mn.us