Road markings

By the end of this topic you can

• You can tell what each type of white centre line allows you to do.
• You can stop at a stop line and give way at a yield line.
• You can follow lane arrows and get in lane early.
• You can use a yellow box junction correctly.
• You can read yellow edge lines and parking markings.

What you need to know and understand

• A continuous white centre line, single or double, means keep to the left of it except in an emergency or for access.
• Crossing a continuous white line is a penalty point offence.
• Where a broken line runs beside a continuous one, obey the line nearest to you.
• You must not enter a hatched area of diagonal white stripes.
• Do not enter a yellow box unless you can leave it without stopping.
• You may wait in a yellow box to turn right, as long as you are not blocking traffic with right of way.
• Never stop in a yellow box at a level crossing or on tram tracks.
• Double yellow lines at the edge mean no parking at any time.

Reading the centre of the road

• Short broken white line: separates opposing traffic. You may cross it when it is safe.
• Longer broken white warning lines: a hazard is ahead, such as a junction, bend, hill or restricted view.
• Double broken white lines: a continuous line is coming up shortly.
• Continuous white line: keep left of it. Do not cross or straddle it except in an emergency or for access.
• Broken line next to a continuous line: obey the line on your side.
• Hatched area: separates traffic or guides merging traffic. Do not drive into it.

Lines across the road and at junctions

A continuous white stop line, often with the word STOP, means you must stop completely before entering the major road. A broken yield line, sometimes with a white triangle, means give way to traffic on the major road.

At traffic lights you may see an advanced stop line for cyclists. Stop at the first white line and keep out of the cyclist area. Lane arrows show which way each lane goes, so move into the correct lane early. A right-turn box at lights is where you wait to turn right.

Yellow boxes and yellow lines

A yellow box junction is a grid of yellow lines painted across a junction. Before you enter, look at your exit. If it is not clear, wait behind the box even if your light is green. The one exception is turning right: you may wait inside the box for a gap in oncoming traffic, as long as you do not block traffic that has right of way.

Along the edge of the road, double yellow lines mean no parking at any time and a single continuous yellow line means no parking during the times on a nearby plate. A single broken yellow line marks a hard shoulder, normally for pedestrians and cyclists. Zig-zag lines at pedestrian crossings mean no parking and no overtaking.

Common mistakes

• Straddling a continuous white line on a bend. Stay fully left of it.
• Entering a yellow box when the exit is blocked. Look at the exit first.
• Treating hatched areas as a spare lane. You must not enter them.
• Rolling over a stop line. Stop completely, then look.
• Choosing a lane late. Read the arrows as you approach and move over early.

Test yourself: Road markings

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Irish Road Markings