Qashqai wrote:old sparks wrote: in Ontario [ . . . ] we are allowed to pass on the double solid line (when conditions allow).
Seriously? I am pretty sure a driver is never allowed to pass a car on double solid line...
From Wikipedia:
Canada
In Canada, a double-yellow line in the center of the road means that it is unsafe for traffic traveling in either direction to pass. It is usually found on rolling hills or through corners where visibility is limited.
From Ontario Highway Traffic Act:
148 and 149 of the Highway Traffic Act. 148 deals with overtaking and passing rules. Here's the important part of that:
Quote:
Passing vehicle going in same direction
(8 ) No person in charge of a vehicle shall pass or attempt to pass another vehicle going in the same direction on a highway unless the roadway,
(a) in front of and to the left of the vehicle to be passed is safely free from approaching traffic; and
(b) to the left of the vehicle passing or attempting to pass is safely free from overtaking traffic.
And section 149...
Quote:
Driving to left of centre prohibited under certain conditions - 149.
(1) No vehicle shall be driven or operated to the left of the centre of a roadway designed for one or more lines of traffic in each direction,
(a) when approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the roadway or within 30 metres of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel where the driver’s view is obstructed within that distance so as to create a potential hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction; or
(b) when approaching within 30 metres of a level railway crossing.
Exception
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply,
(a) on a highway divided into clearly marked lanes where there are more such lanes for traffic in one direction than in the other direction;
(b) to a road service vehicle where precautions are taken to eliminate the hazard; or
(c) on a highway while it is designated for the use of one-way traffic.
This got me curious and I found this also on Wikipedia.
Mind you, it pertains to United States but I learned certain things I did not know about.
United States- A double-yellow line is a painted marking between opposing sides of a highway. It consists of two, parallel, solid yellow lines located between the two directions of traffic flow and its presence usually indicates a no-passing restriction or no passing zone. Obvious exceptions to this no-passing restriction include emergency maneuvers or temporary traffic flow changes due to road work. Often the double-yellow line has sections where one of the lines becomes dashed (in which case it is no longer a "double-yellow") indicating to the drivers traveling on the side closest to the dashed line that they may pass when it's safe.
In the state of Rhode Island, two municipalities replace the double yellow line with strippings of red, white and blue; Bristol (longest continuous running Fourth of July parade)[3] and Warwick (host of Gaspee Days)
I
n some states, it is not against the law to overtake vehicles in the presence of solid yellow lines if it is safe to do so. For example, Vermont State Law also allows passing across the double yellow line when no traffic is on the opposing side, however, one must pass quickly and return to the proper side. [4] However this is unusual as most states have a ban on crossing a double yellow line except when turning, or when pedestrians, bicycles, or other obstructions in the road make it necessary. Overtaking another vehicle across a solid yellow line is usually considered a serious traffic violation in most states
old sparks wrote:in Ontario, where we are allowed to pass on the double solid line (when conditions allow).
Well, I am grabbing at strings but technically this is correct if these conditions were an emergency maneuver.

But in general IMHO, I believe no since it defeats it's purpose.