I frequently get to drive on a new section of US highway 12 just east of the Twin Cities near Wayzata and Long Lake. What somewhat boggles my mind is how they decided to put rumble strips down the middle of the road to prevent crossover accidents, but they decided to add their own custom pavement markings. Instead of the traditional single skip yellow line to let you know that it is okay to pass they have to parallel lines to tell you whether or not you can pass.

I hope I am correct in assuming that it is legal to pass in this area even though I should be one to know about this sort of thing. This area in combination with the solid single white stripes on I-394/I-94 Tunnel going into Minneapolis, I am starting to be convinced that either the people choosing what should be painted or the people actually painting the roadways are in favor of being inconsistent with other roads and what I would deem “regular” striping.

Is two yellow stripes running as pictured clear enough to let you know it’s okay to pass? Do you quickly understand nonstandard striping or do you assume you simply shouldn’t do something if it isn’t clear?