Pavement markings
The lines and symbols painted on the road guide you into the right lane, tell you where passing is allowed and show where to stop. They work alongside signs and signals, and they are often your best guide when signs are hard to see.
Canadian provinces use a similar system. The two big ideas are colour (yellow or white) and style (solid or broken).
By the end of this topic you can
- You can tell from line colour whether traffic beside you goes the same way or the opposite way.
- You can decide from line style whether you may pass or change lanes.
- You can stop at the correct line at intersections and crossovers.
- You can follow lane arrows and spot lanes that are about to end.
What you need to know and understand
- Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions.
- White lines separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction.
- A solid line on your side of the centre line means passing is not safe.
- A broken line on your side means you may pass if the way is clear and there is room to finish.
- Wider, closely spaced broken lines (continuity lines) can mean your lane is ending or exiting.
- A single white line across the road is the stop line.
- In Ontario, a pedestrian crossover is marked with double white lines and an X in each approaching lane.
- White arrows show which way you may go from that lane.
Colour first, then style
Ask yourself two questions about any line. Colour: is traffic on the other side going my way (white) or towards me (yellow)? Style: is the line on my side solid (stay in your lane) or broken (you may cross it when safe)?
- Solid yellow on your side: no passing for you.
- Broken yellow on your side: passing allowed when clear.
- Double solid yellow: no passing in either direction.
- Solid white between lanes: stay in your lane where possible.
- Broken white between lanes: lane changes allowed when safe.
Markings at intersections
- Stop line: a single white line where you stop for a sign or signal.
- Crosswalk: two parallel white lines across the road. Many crosswalks at intersections are not marked at all, but still exist.
- Pedestrian crossover (Ontario): double white lines with an X in each lane approaching it. Stop and yield until pedestrians have cleared the road.
- Turn arrows: you must go in the direction shown from that lane.
- Bike box (in some cities): a coloured area ahead of the stop line for cyclists. Stop behind it.
Lanes that change
Continuity lines are broken lines that are wider and closer together than normal. If they are on your left, your lane is ending or turning off, so change lanes if you want to go straight. If they are on your right, your lane carries on.
Solid lines also guide you around fixed objects such as bridge piers and concrete islands. Keep to the side shown by the lines.
Common mistakes
- Crossing a solid line to pass because the road looks clear. The line marks a place where passing is unsafe.
- Stopping past the stop line, on top of the crosswalk.
- Ending up in a turn-only lane by mistake. Read arrows and signs early.
- Not noticing continuity lines and getting forced off at an exit.
Test yourself: Pavement markings
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Ontario MTO Official Driver's Handbook, Pavement markings (ontario.ca); Ontario MTO Official Driver's Handbook, Sharing the road with other road users (ontario.ca). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your province or territory.