15 Road Markings and their Meanings
Road markings can get confusing, even for those who drive every day. There are a wide variety of shapes, colours and locations which can all affect the road markings meanings.
No matter how confident you may be with your driving knowledge, its good to brush up on road rules and remind yourself what the road markings really mean.
The stop line at a ‘Stop’ sign
This marker is a reminder to stop and give way to traffic before moving ahead when it is safe to do so. This line is commonly found at junctions without traffic lights.
Give way to traffic on a major road lines
White, double broken lines tell drivers to give way to traffic on major roads. Driver’s won’t always be required to stop at this line but must keep an eye out for traffic crossing their pass to do so.
White Edge Line
Edge lines that are white in colour and appear on the left-hand side of the road are to help drivers maintain a safe, lateral position on the road.
You can find these in areas that are prone to fog and mist as well as unlit stretches of road or places where the road changes width.
Centre line
Centre lines are white and appear broken in the middle of the road. They separate opposing laws of traffic and can vary in length and size depending on the speed limit.
Hazard warning line
Hazard warning lines are similar in appearance to centre lines, with one major difference. The painted sections are longer in length than the broken unpainted stretches.
They will most frequently appear when a hazard isn’t immediately obvious. Look out for them when approaching junctions.
Double white lines
Double white lines can appear in multiple ways. If the line nearest to you is broken, it states that you may overtake if it safe to complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid white line on your side.
If the double white line has a solid line nearest to you, it states that you should not cross or straddle these lines unless it is safe.
You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, a cyclist, horse or road maintenance vehicle if they are travelling at 10mph or less.
Double white lines where both are solid
Solid double white lines are to signify where overtaking visibility is restricted. You must not stop on roads marked with double white lines, and overtaking is discouraged.
Single Yellow Line
Single yellow lines are found n the edges of roads and signify that drivers should never wait on this section between the times given on nearby signs. If there are no accompanying signs, waiting restrictions apply everyday.
This includes Sundays and Bank holidays, and are frequently found on residential streets.
Double yellow lines
Double yellow lines appear on the edge of roads where no waiting is allowed at any time. You can find these on busier roads.
White Bay Markings
White bay markings are rectangular in shape and made up of broken lines. Nearby signs will indicate the duration of waiting or parking time permitted during the time and date shown.
If there are no accompanying signs, waiting times are restricted to the time specified throughout the whole year.
This includes Sundays and Bank Holidays. Sometimes, these will be named bays. Words such as “DOCTOR” or “POLICE” appear beside the bays to show who they are reserved for.
Box Junctions
Yellow boxes with criss-crossing yellow lines are known as box junctions.
You must not enter the box until your exit road is clear, but you may wait in one if you want to turn right and are only stopped by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right.
These frequently appear at busy junctions to ensure the flow of traffic.
Keep Clear
“Keep Clear” sections of the road signify that there are no situations where your vehicle can be on these markings. You can find them where traffic would otherwise prevent cars from turning.
Bus Lane
Lanes that are reserved for buses are marked with the words “BUS LANE”, and usually accompanied with signs that indicate if any other vehicles are ever permitted to use them.
School Keep Clear Markings
Yellow zig-zags that appear alongside the words “SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR” are to show that stationary vehicles are prohibited, even if picking up or dropping off children at school.
These are found outside and close to schools.
Areas of White Diagonal Stripes
White diagonal stripes are used to separate lanes and protect traffic turning right. If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you shouldn’t enter unless it is completely necessary and safe to do so.
If the area is marked by chevrons and bordered by solid white lines, you must not enter it except for in an emergency.
Useful links:
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You can find further guidance for road markings on the GOV.UK website.
