Understanding UK Road Markings

Double Broken Line

Indicates a **'Give Way'** junction. You must yield to traffic on the main road and only proceed when it is safe to do so without causing them to change speed or direction.

Practical Test Focus: Approach slowly, check both ways, and be prepared to stop if necessary.

Single Continuous Line (STOP)

A **'STOP'** line at a junction means you **must stop** before the line. Look carefully and only proceed when safe.

Practical Test Focus: A mandatory stop. Rolling over this line is an immediate fault.

Solid Line (Traffic Lights)

Marks where you should wait when traffic lights are red. Stop behind this line.

Practical Test Focus: Do not block the pedestrian crossing area (if present) or advanced stop lines for cyclists.

Yellow Box Junction

You **must not enter** the box unless your exit road or lane is clear. The only exception is if you are turning right and are prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic or other vehicles also turning right.

Practical Test Focus: A very common fault. Only enter if you can completely clear the box without stopping.

Give Way Triangle (Painted on Road)

This large white triangle is a road marking that acts as an additional warning that you are approaching a **'Give Way'** line or junction. Always be prepared to give way.

Practical Test Focus: Seeing this early and reacting by checking mirrors and reducing speed shows good hazard perception.

Advanced Stop Lines (Bike Box)

At traffic lights, this box is for cyclists. You **must stop behind the first white line** if the light is red, keeping the box clear for cyclists.

Practical Test Focus: Crossing into the bike box on a red light is a serious fault.

Single Broken Line (Centre)

Marks the centre of the road. You may cross it to overtake if it's safe and clear.

Note: If the gaps between lines shorten, it warns of a hazard or intersection ahead – be cautious.

Double White Lines

**Solid line nearest to you:** You **must not** cross or straddle this line unless turning into a side road or entering a property, or if an obstruction is present.
**Broken line nearest to you:** You may cross to overtake if it's safe to do so. The solid line on the other side means oncoming traffic cannot overtake.

Practical Test Focus: Crossing a solid double white line when not permitted is a serious fault.

Hatch Markings (Diagonal Stripes)

These areas with diagonal stripes separate streams of traffic or protect vehicles turning right. If bordered by a **solid white line**, you **must not enter** them except in an emergency. If bordered by a **broken white line**, you should avoid entering but may do so if necessary and safe.

Directional Arrows (in Lanes)

Arrows painted in your lane indicate the **only direction** you can take from that lane (e.g., 'Left Only', 'Straight Ahead Only').

Practical Test Focus: If you find yourself in the wrong lane, you **must follow the arrow's direction** and then find a safe place to adjust your route. Ignoring a mandatory arrow is a serious fault.

Solid White Edge Line

Marks the edge of the carriageway. Often used on clearways, where you are **not allowed to stop** for any reason except in an emergency or breakdown.

Double Yellow Lines

You **cannot stop or park** on these lines at any time. There are almost no exceptions.

Practical Test Focus: Stopping on these to pick up or drop off passengers is a serious fault.

Single Yellow Line

Indicates that parking or stopping is restricted during certain hours. Always **check the accompanying sign** for specific times.

Bus Lane (Solid White Line)

You **must not drive** in a bus lane marked with a solid white line during its hours of operation. Check the sign for operating times.

Practical Test Focus: Driving in an active bus lane is a serious fault.

Cycle Lane (Broken Line)

You are **allowed to drive in this lane if necessary**, but you must give way to cyclists and be extra cautious. Avoid if possible.

Red Routes (Red Lines)

Typically found in busy urban areas (e.g., London), red routes have very strict rules. **Single red lines** mean no stopping during certain hours, while **double red lines** mean no stopping at any time. Always check signs.

Practical Test Focus: Stopping on a red route when prohibited is a serious fault.

White Zig-Zag Lines

These lines are found on approaches to pedestrian crossings (Zebra, Pelican, Puffin). You **must not park or stop** on them, and you **must not overtake** the lead vehicle nearest the crossing.

Practical Test Focus: Overtaking on zig-zags or stopping on them is an immediate fail. Be extra vigilant!

Yellow Zig-Zag Lines (Schools)

Similar to white zig-zags, but specifically for areas outside schools. You **must not stop or park** on these lines at any time, even to drop off or pick up children.

Practical Test Focus: Treat these as absolute no-stopping zones.

"KEEP CLEAR" Road Marking

Similar to yellow box junctions but for specific areas like fire station exits or side roads. You **must not stop** on this marking to ensure access is always maintained.

Speed Limit Roundels (on Road)

When a speed limit (e.g., '30') is painted directly on the road surface inside a circle, it serves as a repeater sign. It is a legal speed limit you **must not exceed**.

Practical Test Focus: Always observe speed limits, whether on signs or on the road.