When are solid white lines commonly used in traffic lane markings?

Solid white lines are commonly used in traffic lane markings to indicate that lane changes are prohibited. When a solid white line is present, it signifies that drivers should stay in their current lane and not cross over into another lane. This is particularly important for maintaining the safety and flow of traffic, especially in areas where merging or lane changes could lead to potential accidents.

In contrast, other markings serve different purposes. For example, dashed lines indicate that lane changes are permissible, while double solid lines typically separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. Therefore, solid white lines serve a specific function related to lane discipline and safety on the road.