why are the highway lines white on the right and yellow on the left?

Answer 1

When the line is yellow it means that it is separating your lane from one that is moving in the opposite direction. On a one way two lane street the center stripe will be white, as it is only separating two lanes moving in the same direction. On a two way two lane street the center stripe will be yellow, as it is separating lanes of opposing traffic. That applies to any road though including divided highways, and service roads. So if a line is yellow just make sure that you to the right of it otherwise you are headed into oncoming traffic!

Answer 2

The white lines on the Highway represent traffic lanes, the broken lines are acceptable to pass over to change lanes, the solid however, represents a "locked lane" such as turn lanes, carpool lanes and various other lanes that do not allow passing in or driving through safely.
It is basically like coloring inside of the lines.
The yellow lines represent traffic hazards or caution areas if you will. They do not represent general flow traffic lanes , but allow vehicles to pass over into turn lanes ( yellow line broken to the outside ) . Solid yellow lines represent no passing ( whether single or double ). I hope this helps you out.

Answer 3

Interesting question. Don't know the answer. As long as it is uniform in the country and everyone understands their meaning.

However, I can tell you that in Switzerland (Geneva and Lausanne), the white lines are on the left, and the yellow lines are on the right (opposite to the U.S.). And the flow of traffic is on the same side of the road.

Answer 4

So the drunks staggering out from the Flats don't end up in Parma.

Answer 5

For better visibility and directions.

Answer 6

take drivers ed again ..... you must have forgotten the first time you took it

Answer 7

So if you see them the other way, you know you're headed the wrong direction, DUH!