Final answer:
A broken line to the left of a lane means that passing is permitted if the lane is clear.
Step-by-step explanation:
A broken line to the left of a lane on a roadway indicates that passing is permitted, provided the lane is clear and the maneuver can be completed safely. In the question's context, the correct answer would be that passing is permitted if the lane is clear. The surrounding text relating to traffic signals, pedestrian safety, and subtleties of driving, while important for overall driver education, does not directly answer this specific question about the meaning of a broken line on the road. Important factors such as the posted speed limit, driver behavior, and the existence of traffic signals also play an essential role in how traffic laws are understood and applied.