Road Markings
Road markings indicate traffic lanes, boundaries, and instructions for drivers. Ensure safe navigation and maintain proper lane discipline.
Road Markings front of the Road
Double Broken White Lines on the Road
Double Broken White Lines (Give Way markings) mean you must slow down and give way to traffic from both directions before merging.
Stopping is required if necessary (e.g., poor visibility or heavy traffic).
- Where You’ll See It?
- Found at major road junctions
- Common at T-junctions where side roads meet main roads.
- Why It’s Important?
Many drivers only check traffic from the right, assuming vehicles from the left are on the other side of the road. - Why You Must Check the Left Too?
- Vehicles on your left might be overtaking and moving into your lane.
- Cyclists, motorbikes, or fast-moving vehicles can appear unexpectedly.
- Safe Driving Tip:
- Always check both directions before joining a road, even if you think traffic is only coming from one side.
- Stay alert and proceed only when safe!
Single Broken White Lines on the Road
A Single Broken White Line is a give way marking where you must give priority to traffic coming from the right, unlike Double Broken White Lines, where you must give way to traffic from both directions before merging.
You do not have to stop if the road is clear, but must slow down and check before proceeding.
- Where You’ll See It?
- At roundabouts, where you must give way to traffic from the right.
- At merging lanes, where vehicles on the main road have priority.
- On minor roads meeting a major road, where you merge smoothly if safe.
- Why It’s Important?
Failing to give way at a roundabout or merging road can cause collisions. Some drivers misjudge gaps or assume they have priority. - Safe Driving Tips:
- Approach slowly and be prepared to stop if necessary.
- Check traffic from the right before proceeding.
- Be cautious of cyclists and motorbikes, which may be harder to spot.
- If in doubt, wait for a clear gap to merge safely.
Remember: Unlike a STOP sign, you don’t have to stop at a Single Broken White Line, but you must give way to the right!
STOP line on the Road
STOP sign with a solid white line means you must come to a complete stop, even if the road is clear, unlike Give Way with broken white lines, where you slow down and check but stop only if traffic is coming.
While stopped, apply the handbrake and shift to neutral or remain in 1st gear for a smooth restart.
- Where You’ll See It?
- Found at dangerous junctions, crossroads, or places with poor visibility.
- Usually placed where blind spots or fast-moving traffic make it risky to merge.
- Why You Must Be Careful
- Rolling past the stop line is illegal and dangerous.
- Other drivers expect you to fully stop—failing to do so can cause serious accidents.
- Safe Driving Tips:
- Always stop completely at the line, even if the road looks clear.
- Look left, right, then left again before proceeding.
- Be cautious of hidden vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- If visibility is poor, edge forward slowly to check before moving.
Remember: A STOP sign means STOP—every time!
Cycle Lane Between Solid White Lines & Stop Line Rules
A solid white line on the road is a stop line, meaning you must stop before it.
- If no traffic light is present near the solid white line, you must stop and check both sides before proceeding.
- If a traffic light is present, you must stop unless the light is green.
- Red, Amber, or Red + Amber together → You must stop before the solid line and wait for green.
If a cycle symbol is between two solid white lines, it indicates a mandatory cycle lane. Other vehicles are not allowed to enter or park in this lane at any time and must stop before the solid line where required.
- Where You’ll See It?
- On busy roads where cyclists need protection.
- Near junctions or traffic signals to provide a safe waiting area for cyclists.
- At intersections where vehicles must stop before a traffic light or a junction.
- Driver Awareness
- Do not drive, stop, or park in a mandatory cycle lane.
- Never cross a solid stop line when the light is red or amber.
- Always check for cyclists when turning or changing lanes.
- At junctions without traffic lights, stop fully and check both sides before proceeding. This marking ensures cyclists 🚴 have a safe space, while solid stop lines help regulate vehicle movement for safety.
Road Markings Center of the Road
Chevron Road Markings
A chevron marking in the center of the road with broken border lines is used to keep traffic apart and provide a safe buffer between lanes.
- When Can You Enter the Chevron?
- If the chevron is bordered by broken lines → You can enter it when safe (e.g., when turning right or left). Found at junctions or in areas where vehicles may need to merge.
- If the chevron is bordered by solid lines → You must not enter it, unless in an emergency. Found near motorway exits, dual carriageways, or accident-prone areas to separate traffic for safety.
- Key Difference:
- Broken border lines → Entry is allowed if safe.
- Solid border lines → Entry is prohibited (except for emergencies).
- Safety Tips:
- Check your mirrors and blind spots before entering.
- Signal early to alert other drivers.
- Avoid cutting across chevrons unnecessarily, as they are designed for traffic flow and safety.
- If bordered by solid lines, stay out unless unavoidable (e.g., obstruction or emergency).
Curved Arrow Road Marking
Curved Arrow Road Marking on the road tells overtaking drivers to must come back to their position as it’s no longer safe to stay in the another lane.
- Where You’ll See It?
- Before a solid double white line (no overtaking zone).
- When the road narrows or bends.
- Near junctions where merging is required.
- Before a solid double white line (no overtaking zone).
- Why It’s Important?
- Ignoring this marking can lead to head-on collisions with oncoming traffic.
- It helps maintain a smooth flow and prevents risky overtaking.
- Safe Driving Tip:
If you see a curved arrow, return to the left lane safely and in time. Stay aware of traffic behind you!
Two Solid White Lines
You must not cross or overtake across these lines. Opposing traffic also must not cross the lines.
Exception: You may cross only if turning into a property or side road, or if directed by police.
- Where You’ll See It?
- Dangerous bends
- Hilly or blind spots (poor visibility)
- Bridges or tunnels
- Safety Tip:
Always stay within your lane, as overtaking is illegal and dangerous.
One Solid & One Broken Line
You must not cross the solid line or overtake. Traffic from the other side may cross the broken line to overtake if safe.
- Where You’ll See It?
- On roads where visibility is better for one direction but not the other.
- Hilly areas or curves where one side has a clear view.
- Safety Tip:
Be aware that vehicles from the other side may overtake and enter your lane. Stay alert!
Road Markings Side of the Road
Cycle Lane Markings & Rules for Drivers
Broken White Line (Dashed Cycle Lane)
Vehicles can enter or use the cycle lane if necessary, but must give priority to cyclists.
- Where You’ll See It?
- On urban roads where space is shared between cyclists and vehicles.
- Near junctions or bus stops where vehicles might need to enter.
- Why You Must Be Careful?
- Cyclists have priority in the lane, so only use it when unavoidable.
- Watch for cyclists stopping or swerving due to obstacles.
Solid White Line (Mandatory Cycle Lane)
Drivers must not enter, drive in, or park in the cycle lane during its hours of operation.
- Where You’ll See It?
- On busy roads to give cyclists exclusive space.
- Near schools or high-traffic cycle areas.
- Why You Must Be Careful?
- Illegal & dangerous to enter the lane when in operation.
- Fines and penalties apply for violating the rule.
- Check for cyclists when turning across the lane.
Safety Tip:
Always check for cyclists before entering a broken-line cycle lane and stay out of solid-line lanes during their active hours.
Yellow Lines – Parking & Stopping Rules
Single Yellow Line
No parking during specific hours, usually shown on a nearby sign (e.g., 7 AM – 7 PM).
- Where You’ll See It?
- Busy streets with high traffic flow.
- Near shops, offices, and city centers.
- Why You Must Be Careful?
- Parking is only restricted during posted hours – check signs carefully.
- Outside restricted hours, parking may be allowed.
- You can stop briefly for dropping off/picking up passengers but must move quickly.
Double Yellow Line
No parking 24/7, except where signs indicate specific exemptions.
- Where You’ll See It?
- Main roads and high-traffic areas.
- Near hospitals, bus stops, or emergency access zones.
- Why You Must Be Careful?
- No stopping or waiting allowed, except for dropping off passengers or loading/unloading if permitted.
- Some locations may allow parking during certain times – always check signage.
- Fines & Penalties: Parking illegally on double yellow lines can result in a ticket or towing.
Safety Tip:
Always check nearby signs for time restrictions. If in doubt, avoid parking to prevent fines or causing obstructions. Never park on double yellow lines unless explicitly allowed.
Parking Box
A parking box is a designated area marked on the road where vehicles are allowed to park.
- Key Points:
- Usually marked with white lines.
- May have restrictions (e.g., time limits, pay & display).
- Some parking bays are reserved for disabled drivers, residents, or loading zones.
- Why You Must Be Careful?
- Always check nearby signs for parking rules.
- Some parking bays require permits or payment.
- Parking outside the box may result in fines or towing.
Safety Tip:
Park fully inside the box to avoid penalties and ensure smooth traffic flow.
Zig-Zag Lines
White Zig-Zag Lines
- Found before and after pedestrian crossings.
- No parking, no stopping, and no overtaking – 24/7.
- Helps keep clear visibility for pedestrians and drivers.
Yellow Zig-Zag Lines
- Found outside schools, hospitals, or emergency exits.
- No parking or stopping during restricted hours (usually school times).
- A sign nearby will indicate specific time restrictions.
Why You Must Be Careful?
- Blocking these areas reduces visibility, increasing accident risks.
- Parking in these zones can result in fines or penalty points.
- School zones have children crossing, requiring extra caution.
Safety Tip:
Always slow down near zig-zag lines, stay alert for pedestrians, and never park or overtake in these areas.
Road Markings Controlling the traffic
Road Markings Turn Left/Right
Turn Left/Right Arrow Marking
- Found at junctions, intersections, or filter lanes.
- You must turn in the direction shown (left or right).
- You cannot go straight or in any other direction.
Straight Arrow Marking
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Found on one-way roads or lanes with restricted movement.
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You must continue straight; turning left or right is not allowed.
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Why You Must Be Careful?
- Ignoring these markings can cause accidents or confuse other drivers.
- Fines or penalties may apply for not following road markings.
- Check road signs along with markings for additional restrictions.
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Safe Driving Tip:
Always observe road markings in advance to be in the correct lane before reaching a junction.
Box Junction
A yellow criss-cross box painted on the road. You must not enter the box unless your exit is clear.
Exception: If turning right, you may wait inside the box if your exit is blocked by oncoming traffic.
- Where You’ll Find It?
- Busy intersections to prevent traffic congestion.
- Junctions near traffic lights to keep the flow smooth.
- Why You Must Be Careful?
- Blocking a box junction can lead to traffic fines and gridlock.
- Misjudging space can leave you stuck in the box when lights change.
- Safe Driving Tip:
- Look ahead before entering the box to ensure your exit is clear.
- Be patient—don't enter if you're unsure about space availability.