Bike course rules?

Just do it... You won't get caught. I've crossed double yellows in Boulder.

I wouldn't worry too much.

I've dealt with this too, and scratched my head as to how they expected us to follow rules like that, but
basically they are trying to keep you out of the traffic and as far right as safely possible, so those passing do have enough room.

General advice, to adhere to the rules as best as you can and as often as you can.

Its a safety rule and is discretionary. Respect the rules, respect the athletes, respect the community you race in, and respect the rules of the road. You are racing on open roads and just because you are in a race does not mean you have the right of way.

Yes, it's a USAT rule. You can't move into the lane of opposing traffic (or on a closed course, opposing bikes). That being said, most ref's are pretty lenient with this rule as long as it's done safely and not passing while another rider is passing. I would try to stay within the line as much as you can just not taking a chance.

I think the OP was talking about the white line, which means you have to stay on the shoulder.

There is a rumble strip that will keep you inside the line for much of the course. They don't want people riding wide into the lane of traffic. Mostly wide shoulders.

The safety aspect of it makes sense as long as the shoulder is indeed wide enough. I've ridden some courses where if you didn't cross the fog line you wouldn't be able to pass.

Crossing the fog line on parts of that course might rattle some teeth out of your head.

Got you... different story all together. USAT rules states that you can use the road designed for travel in the direction of the race course. I highly doubt you can race an entire race in the shoulder (unless you are the first out of the water and maintain that position for the entire bike leg...)