What do broken white lines on the roadway indicate?

Broken white lines on the roadway indicate separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. These markings allow drivers to change lanes safely, as they denote that lane changes are permissible across these lines. Essentially, when you see broken white lines, it indicates that the lanes are defined but there is no restriction on crossing them, provided it's safe to do so.

In contrast, solid lines, such as those that would indicate "No passing allowed," create a more restrictive environment, preventing lane changes in that area. Other markings associated with yielding or merging provide specific instructions for different driving scenarios, but broken white lines primarily serve to enhance lane management and facilitate smooth traffic flow in the same direction.