Road markings and lane lines
Lines and symbols painted on the road tell you where you can drive, where you can cross and where you must stop. They work with signs and are just as legally binding.
Understanding dividing lines in particular keeps you safe when overtaking or turning on two-way roads.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can tell when you may and may not cross a dividing line.
- You can stop at the correct line at stop signs, give way signs and lights.
- You can follow lane arrows and keep out of special lanes when not allowed.
- You can recognise no stopping and keep clear markings.
What you need to know and understand
- A single broken dividing line can be crossed to overtake or turn when it is safe.
- You must not cross a single continuous dividing line or double continuous lines to overtake.
- With a continuous and a broken line together, you may cross only if the broken line is on your side.
- In most states you may cross dividing lines by the shortest route to enter or leave a road, such as turning into a driveway, if it is safe. Victoria is stricter: there you must not cross double continuous lines to enter or leave a road.
- Lane arrows show the direction you must travel from that lane.
- A continuous yellow edge line means no stopping; 'keep clear' markings mean you must not stop on them.
- Bus lanes, transit lanes (T2, T3) and bicycle lanes have their own rules shown by signs.
Dividing lines: can I cross?
Minimum passing distance rules for cyclists (at least 1 metre where the limit is 60 km/h or less, 1.5 metres above that) let drivers cross dividing lines, including continuous lines, to give a cyclist that space, but only when it is safe and you have a clear view. NSW, Victoria, SA, Tasmania and the NT all state this in their handbooks; check your own state handbook for its exact wording.
- Broken line: yes, when safe, to overtake or turn.
- Single continuous line: no overtaking across it.
- Double continuous lines: no overtaking across them.
- Continuous plus broken: only if the broken line is closest to you.
- Painted island: keep off it, apart from the limited exceptions in your state's road rules.
Lines at intersections
A continuous stop line goes with a stop sign or traffic lights: stop with the front of your car behind it. A broken give way line goes with a give way sign: slow and stop if needed. At pedestrian crossings, stop before the crossing so people are not forced around your car.
Bicycle storage boxes painted in front of the stop line at some lights are for cyclists; stop behind them when the light is red.
Special-purpose markings
- Keep clear: do not stop on the marked area even in a queue.
- Chevrons and painted medians: keep off them except where allowed.
- School zone markings: some states, such as NSW, paint zigzag 'dragon's teeth' on the approach.
- Raised reflective markers: help you see lanes at night and in rain.
Common mistakes
- Overtaking across a continuous line because the road looks clear.
- Stopping over the stop line at lights or stop signs.
- Drifting into bus or transit lanes during their operating hours.
- Stopping on a keep clear marking when traffic queues back.
Test yourself: Road markings and lane lines
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Transport for NSW Road User Handbook; Department of Transport and Planning Victoria, Road to Solo Driving; Tasmanian Road Rules handbook (Department of State Growth); NT Road Users' Handbook (Motor Vehicle Registry). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your state or territory road authority.