Road markings

By the end of this topic you can

• You can tell the difference between centre lines, hazard warning lines and double white lines.
• You can explain when you may and may not cross double white lines or hatched areas.
• You can follow lane arrows and get into the right lane early.
• You can recognise give way and stop lines at junctions.
• You can explain what different coloured road studs mean.

What you need to know and understand

• A broken white centre line with long gaps marks the middle of the road. When the lines get longer and the gaps shorter, it warns of a hazard ahead (Highway Code rule 127).
• Double white lines with the broken line nearer you: you may cross to overtake if safe and you can finish before a solid line on your side (rule 128).
• Double white lines with the solid line nearer you: you MUST NOT cross or straddle them, except in limited cases such as passing a stationary vehicle or a cyclist, horse or road maintenance vehicle going at 10 mph or less (rule 129).
• Hatched areas with a broken border: do not enter unless necessary and safe. With a solid border: you MUST NOT enter except in an emergency (rule 130).
• Road studs: white for lanes or the middle of the road, red on the left edge, amber by the central reservation, green at lay-bys and slip roads, green and yellow at road works (rule 132).
• You MUST NOT enter a yellow criss-cross box junction until your exit is clear, except when waiting to turn right (rule 174).
• Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless signs show seasonal restrictions.

Lines along the road

Lines along the road tell you about position and overtaking. Use them as an early clue: as soon as centre lines lengthen, look for the hazard they are warning you about, such as a bend, junction or hill.

• Short broken lines, long gaps: centre line, normal driving.
• Long broken lines, short gaps: hazard warning line, think twice before crossing.
• Broken line nearer you, solid line beyond: you may cross to overtake when safe.
• Solid line nearer you: you must not cross or straddle it, apart from the exceptions in rule 129.
• Short broken lines on wide roads: lane dividers. Keep between them (rule 131).

Lines across the road

At a junction with a Give Way sign, you will see a double broken white line across your side of the road. You must give way to traffic on the major road but you only need to stop if there is traffic. A single solid white line with a Stop sign means you must stop at that line.

A single broken line across the road at a roundabout means give way to traffic from your right. A solid stop line at traffic lights shows where to wait when the lights are red (rule 175). An upside-down white triangle painted on the road warns that a give way line is just ahead.

Hatching, boxes and zig-zags

White diagonal stripes or chevrons separate lanes or protect traffic turning right. A broken border means stay out unless you need to enter and it is safe. A solid border means you must not enter except in an emergency.

Yellow criss-cross lines mark a box junction. Only enter when your exit is clear, unless you are turning right and only oncoming traffic is stopping you. Zig-zag lines at pedestrian crossings mean no parking and no overtaking the vehicle nearest the crossing (rule 191). Yellow zig-zags outside schools mean keep the entrance clear.

Edge lines, yellow lines and studs

Yellow lines along the edge control waiting: a double yellow line means no waiting at any time, and a single yellow line means restrictions at times shown on nearby plates. Red lines on red routes control stopping. At night, coloured road studs help you see the shape of the road and which lanes are which.

Common mistakes

• Crossing a solid white line to overtake a slow car. This is only allowed for vehicles, cyclists or horses going at 10 mph or less, or stationary vehicles.
• Entering a yellow box when your exit is blocked. Wait until it is clear.
• Treating a give way line like a stop line and stopping when the road is clear. Give way only when needed, after a proper look.
• Ignoring a hazard warning line. When the lines lengthen, look ahead for the reason.

Test yourself: Road markings

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

Go deeper

• Yellow Lines, Red Routes and Loading Bays Explained