Road markings can get pretty confusing even for seasoned drivers - especially since there are many various shapes, colours and locations which all affect their meaning.
So whether you’re puzzled by paintwork on the road or you’re a learner driver seeing them for the first time, our handy guide with real-world examples will help remind you what all the various lines, zig-zags and boxes really mean.
Across the road
Below are the most common road markings that will cross your path on the road:
Stop line at signals or police control
A white line across the road will appear alongside traffic lights or in some cases, in an area of police control. It’s important to stop before the line if directed to do so by traffic lights or a member of the police.
Remember to stop BEFORE rolling into a cycle box at the advanced stop line (ASL) if there is one. They look like this:
Stop line at ‘Stop’ sign
A thicker white line is less common than the one found alongside traffic lights, and appears next to stop signs.
The marking is a reminder to stop and give way to traffic before moving ahead when it is safe to do so.
You can expect to find this particular white line at junctions without traffic lights.
Give way to traffic on major road
These white, double broken lines tell motorists to give way to traffic on major roads. Drivers won’t always have to stop at this line, but must keep an eye out for traffic crossing their path to do so.
The common road marking can appear at mini roundabouts and junctions with major roads.
Give way to traffic from the right at a roundabout
This broken white line is a reminder to give way to traffic from the right at roundabouts. You can expect to find these at larger roundabouts.
Give way to traffic from the right at mini roundabout
A ‘chunkier’, broken white line indicates that you must give way to traffic from the right at mini roundabouts. These smaller junctions are common on local roads.
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Along the road
Read on for road markings painted along the carriageway:
Edge line
Edge lines are white in colour and appear on the left-hand side of the road.
The lines are sometimes ribbed to alert drivers they’re straying off the road and known as raised profile edge lines.
They mark the edge of the carriageway and act as a useful guide to maintain a safe, lateral position on the road. You can expect to find these in areas prone to fog and mist, at sudden changes of road width and on unlit stretches of road.
Centre line
Centre lines are white and appear broken in the middle of the road.
They separate opposing flows of traffic and can vary in length and gap size between lines depending on speed limit. These are probably the most common marking you’ll encounter when driving.
Hazard warning line
Hazard warning lines are similar in appearance to centre lines with one key difference, the painted sections are longer in length than the broken unpainted stretches.
They only appear when a hazard isn’t immediately obvious. Look out for them when approaching junctions or a central refuge.
Double white lines
Double white lines can appear in a number of ways; where the line nearest to you is broken, where the line nearest to you is solid and, finally, where both lines are solid.
Double white lines where the nearest line is broken
Rule 128 of the Highway Code says you may cross the lines to overtake if it is safe and you can complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid white line on your side.
Double white lines where the nearest line is solid
Rule 129 of the Highway Code says you must not cross or straddle these lines unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road.
“You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.”
Double white lines where both are solid
These are used to prohibit drivers from travelling in an area of the road used by the opposing flow of traffic, generally where overtaking visibility is restricted.
You must not stop on roads marked with double white lines.
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Areas of white diagonal stripes
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White diagonal stripes are used to separate lanes or to protect traffic turning right.
According to Rule 130 of the Highway Code if the area is bordered by a broken white line you shouldn’t enter unless completely necessary and it’s safe to do so.
If the area is marked by chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.
Lane line
Otherwise known as lane dividers, these markings are white in colour and feature short, broken white lines which you should drive within.
You can expect to find them on wider roads where they’re used to safely divide driving space.
Along the edge of the road
Markings along the edge of the road usually relate to parking and waiting rules. The most common examples feature below:
Single yellow line
Single yellow lines are found on the edges of roads and indicate 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 including Sundays and Bank Holidays. They are commonly found on residential streets.
Double yellow lines
Double yellow lines appear on the edge of roads where no waiting is allowed at any time.
In some cases, nearby signs indicate seasonal restrictions. You can find them on many busier roads.
White bay markings
White bay markings are rectangular in shape and made up of broken lines. Nearby signs indicate the duration of waiting or parking time permitted during the dates and time shown.
If there are no accompanying signs, waiting times are restricted to the duration specified throughout the whole year, including Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Loading bays
Loading bays are similar in appearance to other white parking bays, rectangular in shape and made up of a broken white line.
The words “loading only” appear along the edges of the bay and an accompanying white sign shows whether parking in the bay is limited to goods vehicles, and the times at which restrictions apply.
Parking without loading is prohibited in these bays and they’re normally found along high streets and outside shop parades.
Named bays
Named bays are rectangular in shape and made up of a broken white line. Words such as “DOCTOR” or “POLICE” appear beside the bays to show who they’re reserved for.
The markings can appear in a number of areas, especially those popular with car-sharing services, where the words “CAR CLUB” are painted.
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On the kerb
Markings painted on kerbs usually relate to loading rules. Read on for some examples:
Double yellow kerb lines
Double yellow lines painted across kerbs indicate that loading or unloading is prohibited at all times.
The kerb marking usually appears with a white sign reading “No loading at any time”. Drivers may stop near double yellow kerb lines to drop off and pick up passengers.
Like single yellow lines, these markings often appear on high streets and outside shop parades.
Single yellow kerb line
Single yellow lines are sometimes painted across kerbs to show that loading and unloading is restricted in that area.
You should always check nearby signs for enforcement times and know that when days aren’t specified, rules apply throughout the year.
Drivers may stop near single yellow kerb lines to drop off and pick up passengers. You can expect to find these along high streets and near shop parades.
Other road markings
Read on for more markings you may encounter while at the wheel:
School keep clear
Yellow zig-zags that appear with the words “SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR” are painted to show stationary vehicles are prohibited, even if picking up or dropping off children to school.
The markings are found outside and close to schools.
Give way
A triangle pointing towards your car and featuring a thicker, straight line further away from your vehicle, indicates a give way line ahead. After seeing the marking, you should slow down and prepare to stop to let other road users pass.
You can find the markings before a number of junctions and roads with varying widths, where only one vehicle is permitted to pass.
Bus stop
Bus stop markings are rectangular and made up of a yellow, broken line with the large words “BUS STOP” painted inside.
You mustn’t park within the marking at any time and can expect to see them across a range of roads.
Bus lane
Lanes reserved for buses are clearly marked with the words “BUS LANE” throughout, and are usually accompanied with signs that indicate if any other vehicles are ever permitted to use them.
Rule 141 of the Highway Code says that “You may enter a bus lane to stop, to load or unload where this is not prohibited.”
Bus lanes are often found on wider roads in built-up areas to prioritise travel for larger groups of passengers.
Box junction
The yellow boxes filled with criss-crossing yellow lines are known as box junctions.
Although you must not enter the box until your exit road is clear, 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.
The boxes appear at busy junctions to ensure the flow of traffic and some signalled roundabouts, where you must not stop in them at all.
Keep clear
‘Keep clear’ sections of road are clearly labelled in large white font with lines above and below the text to show the limits of the no-stopping area.
Unlike box junctions, there are no situations where your vehicle can be on these markings. You can find them where traffic would otherwise prevent cars from turning.
Labelled lanes
On wider roads and motorways, you’ll often see lanes labelled with the name of locations and routes ahead to help you move into the correct lane.
They appear when approaching slip roads, flyovers, roundabouts and many other junctions.
Learning to drive?
It's a good idea to learn what each road marking means with an interactive app. Driving Theory Test UKis a great place to start, with all necessary learning materials, hazard perception clips and Highway Code info included. You can download it here:
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UK road markings - FAQ
What does a single yellow line mean on the side of the road?
A UK road with single yellow lines means that there are parking and waiting restrictions in place. You can park to load/unload for up to 40 minutes or drop/pick-up someone for up to five minutes..
What does single yellow line mean UK?
It means that there are parking, unloading and waiting restrictions in place for all drivers.
What is the difference between single and double yellow lines?
Single yellow lines on UK roads signify waiting, unloading, and parking restrictions. These are often time sensitive and there will be signs indicating when they are in force. However, two yellow lines means parking and waiting are prohibited at all times.
Is parking on double yellow lines an Offence?
The Highway Code states that double yellow lines mean you must not stop, park, or wait for any period of time – or for any reason. That means drivers who park on double yellow lines could be issued with large fines – even if they’ve broken down and need assistance.
What is a marker post on a motorway?
Blue marker signs on a motorway are used to help drivers pinpoint road locations for maintenance and emergency services. They will also show the direction to the nearest emergency roadside telephone.
What are the numbers on the side of the motorway?
The blue motorway marker signs will come with three pieces of information you will need to give to breakdown or emergency services should they be needed. The top line shows what motorway you are on. You will then see an A or B – this shows the direction you’re travelling in. And the bottom line states how far you are from a certain point on the road network.
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FAQs
What do the different lines on the road mean in UK? ›
Single carriageways often separate lanes of traffic with central broken white lines. Gaps between the lines may shorten to warn drivers of incoming hazards. Shortened white lines will be used if both lanes of traffic are travelling in the same direction. Double white lines can be used to help manage traffic flow.
What are the lane markings in the UK? ›White studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road. Red studs mark the left edge of the road. Amber studs mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway. Green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads.
What do the road markings mean? ›Lines that travel along the road (longitudinal) inform and warn drivers of approaching situations that will need them to do something - like turn right, or do not cross. Lines that cross the road (transverse) give instructions to road users like 'give way' or 'stop'. A broken white line marks the middle of the road.
What do the zig zag lines on the road mean in England? ›c. It is not the purpose of zig-zag lines to provide visual warning to motorists that they are approaching a crossing but rather to define an area in which they should not park or overtake (unless instructed to do so by signals).
What do double yellow lines mean in UK? ›Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless there are signs that specifically indicate seasonal restrictions. The times at which the restrictions apply for other road markings are shown on nearby plates or on entry signs to controlled parking zones.
What are single vs double yellow lines UK? ›Single yellow marks on the kerb indicate there is a loading ban during certain times as displayed on the nearby street sign. Please check the times on the sign. Double yellow kerb marks mean no stopping at any time.
Which lane is the slow lane in UK? ›Drive on the left
Don't be fooled into thinking the lane on the left is the 'slow lane'. There is no such thing. A dual carriageway, unless signage says otherwise, is set at the national speed limit. This means regardless of which lane you or other drivers are in, the limit is 70mph.
When driving on motorways in the UK, you should always be in the left lane. There is no such thing as a 'fast lane'. The middle and right lanes should only be used to overtake slower traffic.
Which lane is slow in the UK? ›Great Britain
Unless you're passing, stay in the "slow" lane on motorways (the lane farthest to the left). The British are very disciplined about this; ignoring this rule could get you a ticket (or into a road-rage incident). Remember to pass on the right, not the left.
A single yellow line means that parking is allowed, but is restricted. Normally, parking is allowed between certain times. Signs on the road show the times parking is restricted. A double yellow line means that parking is not allowed at any time.
What is the white line on the side of the road in the UK? ›
The white access lines, sometimes known as H-bars or access protection markings, are road markings to deter people parking across driveways. The markings extend across the width of the access.
What does a solid white line on the road mean? ›Solid white lines define lanes of traffic going in the same direction, or they show you the location of the shoulder of the road. Broken or “dotted” white lines are used to show the center line between lanes. • Yellow lines show you where traffic is going in different directions.
What does this curved arrow road marking mean UK? ›Explanation: Curving direction arrows are often found painted on the road before solid double white lines and hatch markings; they indicate the direction you should pass them. They're also painted on the road on the approach to low arched bridges, to mark the route high vehicles should take.
What do triangles on the road mean? ›A row of solid triangles indicates that the road user must yield. Pavement markings are also used to alert users to potentially hazardous conditions ahead. A letter X with a letter R on each side indicates a highway-rail grade crossing ahead. A hollow triangle indicates a yield ahead.
What does no loading mean UK? ›• Double yellow ticks on the kerb mean no loading or unloading. at any time. There is no requirement for a sign. • Vehicles can stop while passengers get into or out of the. vehicle, but not wait.
What does double white line mean UK? ›Double white lines where the nearest line is solid. Rule 129 of the Highway Code says you must not cross or straddle these lines unless it is safe and you need to do so in order to enter adjoining premises or a side road.
What does red tarmac on road mean UK? ›Red is also commonly used in traffic calming measures, for route action treatment, as part of an individual accident remedial scheme, or in locations where other colours have not been used in association with signs or road markings in the vicinity.
Why is it not allowed to park on double yellow line UK? ›The Highway Code explains that double yellow lines “indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs.”
Does America use double yellow lines? ›Some parts of the US use a doubled set of double yellow lines (sometimes called "double-double yellow lines") to demarcate a painted median strip, which vehicles are not permitted to cross. This differs from a single set of double yellow lines, which may be crossed in certain circumstances.
What is a solid white line vs double yellow line? ›Yellow lines divide traffic traveling in opposite directions. Yellow lines are used to mark the center of two-lane roads, and to mark the left edge of divided highways, one-way streets, and ramps. Solid white lines divide lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.
Can you turn left on red in England? ›
In the United Kingdom, which drives on the left, left turns on red are prohibited. At some junctions there is a separate left arrow-shaped green "filter" light which, when lit, allows left-hand turns but conflicting traffic will always have a red signal.
What is the fast lane speed limit in the UK? ›The highest speed limit in the UK is 70mph, this applies to cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles on motorways and dual carriageways. The same vehicles can drive at a maximum speed of 60mph on single carriageways.
Can you go faster in the left lane UK? ›Overtaking on the nearside (left) is legally acceptable if you are driving on a multi-lane carriageway in congested conditions, and the lane to the left is moving at a faster speed than lanes to the right.
Which is the fast lane in USA? ›All U.S. Highways have the fast lane (the left lane) marked number one, followed by the next lane to the right as #2, and so on. The slowest lane will have the highest number.
Does America have fast lanes? ›The left lane is commonly referred to as the "fast lane", but that is not an accurate description of the lane's purpose. The left lane is the designated passing lane; however, vehicles in the left lane must obey the posted speed limits. A common problem arising from misuse of the left lane is speeding and tailgating.
Can tourists drive in the UK? ›During the first year of your stay in the UK you can drive with a valid driving licence from your own country or an International Driving Permit but after one year you must take out a Provisional UK Licence and put 'L' plates on your car. You must then arrange to sit a full UK Driving Test.
Which lane moves fastest in a traffic jam UK? ›When lanes of traffic are added to a highway, they are often added on the right as well which means the right lane of traffic will be the first to see faster speeds due to extra driving room. Of course, traffic also enters the highway from the right lane so that can slow the right lane down.
Which lane is slow in USA? ›Slower vehicles in left lane must yield to faster vehicles. Any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic must be driven in the right-hand lane.
Is the passing lane on the right in the UK? ›On a two-lane dual carriageway you should stay in the left-hand lane. Use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right. After overtaking, move back to the left-hand lane when it is safe to do so.
What does a broken yellow line mean? ›Broken yellow center line means passing is permitted in either direction. Passing should only be done when the way ahead is clear, sightlines are not obstructed and the law allows. Broken yellow lines alongside a solid yellow line means passing is permitted on the side with the broken line.
What is the difference between a solid lane and a broken lane? ›
Broken White Line: you may change lanes if it is safe to do so. Solid White Line: requires you to stay within the lane and also marks the shoulder of the roadway.
What are 6 types of special roadway markings? ›Turning lanes, reversible lanes, HOV lanes, parking restrictions, yellow and white lines.
How long can you stop on a single yellow line UK? ›Single or double yellow lines with no kerb markings
You can load or unload for a maximum of 40 minutes. A Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) will observe a private vehicle for five minutes and a commercial vehicle for 10 minutes and look for loading activity.
The main difference to take note of between red and yellow lines is that red lines prohibit any form of waiting or parking, and restrictions apply around stopping to drop off passengers. Whereas yellow lines allow you to stop to drop off, but have restrictions for waiting or parking.
What is the difference between parking and stopping in the UK? ›What is parking? Parking is any stopping of the vehicle with or without driver for at least three minutes. However, if you stop for more than three minutes to drop off passengers or to collect passengers, or to load or unload goods, this is not considered as parking in terms of the Road Traffic Act.
What does a broken white line mean in the UK? ›According to Rule 130 of the Highway Code if the area is bordered by a broken white line you shouldn't enter unless completely necessary and it's safe to do so. If the area is marked by chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.
What do arrows in the middle of the road mean? ›If you see arrows on the road — or a road sign pointing you back towards your lane — it means there's limited time before you must get back in lane. You must not start an overtaking manoeuvre if you can't complete it before the start of a solid white line on your side.
What do double broken white lines mean? ›Double broken white lines in the centre of a road are alerting you to continuous white lines up ahead. You can overtake on double broken white lines, but you should be aware that a solid white is coming up.
What does a double solid white line painted between lanes on the highway mean? ›Double solid white lines indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane, such as a carpool (HOV) lane. You may also see double solid white lines in or near freeway on and off ramps. Never change lanes over double solid white lines. Wait until you see a single broken white line.
When should you avoid crossing a solid white line? ›“A dashed white lane between lanes of traffic means that you may cross it to change lanes if it is safe. A solid white line between lanes of traffic means that you should stay in your lane unless a special situation requires you to change lanes.”
How many vehicles can pass through each green light when the ramp is metered? ›
Ramp meters should be followed like any other traffic signal. If you reach the light when it turns green, you can proceed without stopping if it is safe to do so. But always be prepared to stop when ramp meters are active and remember that only one car can go per green light.
What does the white diagonal stripe mean? ›Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right. If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.
What are the double broken white lines at junctions? ›Commonly, 'give way' markings will be present, taking the form of an upside down triangle and thick, broken double white lines across the lane to alert motorists to give way to traffic on adjoining busier roads.
Why are yellow lines painted across the road on the approach to roundabouts? ›These yellow lines are painted across the road to make you aware of your speed. Yellow lines are an extra warning to slow down, and you can find this road marking on the approach to large roundabouts and dangerous junctions.
What is the upside-down triangle symbol for driving? ›An upside-down triangle road sign always means “yield.” Diamond-shaped road signs always warn of possible hazards ahead. These are traffic signs, temporary traffic control signs, and some pedestrian and bicycle signs. Pennant-shaped road signs warn drivers of no-passing zones.
What does a 90 degree arrow mean? ›The road ahead is about to turn sharply in the direction of the arrow. Hairpin bend signs. A sharp bend, greater than 90 degrees is coming up on the road ahead. You should slow down and approach the bend with caution. Side road intersection on a curve signs.
What does a diamond on the road mean? ›HOV Symbol - Enter and Exit Movements Prohibited
The " HOV symbol" is a white lines formed in a diamond shape symbol. The "Enter and Exit Movements Prohibited" figure shows full-time concurrent lane(s) where enter/exit movements are prohibited.
The main difference to take note of between red and yellow lines is that red lines prohibit any form of waiting or parking, and restrictions apply around stopping to drop off passengers. Whereas yellow lines allow you to stop to drop off, but have restrictions for waiting or parking.
What are red lines on UK roads? ›Red routes are major roads with red lines at the sides showing where vehicles are not allowed to stop. The prohibition extends to stopping for loading or unloading, and to boarding or alighting from a vehicle (except for licensed taxis and the holders of blue badges).
What do double white lines mean UK? ›Double white lines where the nearest line is solid. Rule 129 of the Highway Code says you must not cross or straddle these lines unless it is safe and you need to do so in order to enter adjoining premises or a side road.
What does a single white line mean UK? ›
Single white line parking
Where the road has a solid, unbroken white line running along the side, parking is considered legal. In some cases, the single white line is there to indicate that there's no pavement – if this is the case then it's illegal to park there.
A single yellow line means that parking is allowed, but is restricted. Normally, parking is allowed between certain times. Signs on the road show the times parking is restricted. A double yellow line means that parking is not allowed at any time.
What is the difference between a solid white and solid yellow line on the road? ›Yellow lines divide traffic traveling in opposite directions. Yellow lines are used to mark the center of two-lane roads, and to mark the left edge of divided highways, one-way streets, and ramps. Solid white lines divide lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.
What is the difference between a double yellow line and a double red line? ›The key differences between double yellow and double red lines is that double-yellows permit loading and Blue Badge parking, and double-reds do not. Road markings can fade over time, making it less clear what restrictions are in place. Sets of lines can also butt up against others.
What does the double red line mean in the UK? ›Red Route stopping controls
The red lines apply to the carriageway, pavement and verge. The times that the red line prohibitions apply are shown on nearby signs, but the double red line ALWAYS means no stopping at any time.
Vehicles are not allowed to stop at any time on double red lines. They operate every day, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and do not require a time plate (sign).
What does a double red line on the road mean? ›Double red lines marked along the left of the inside lane indicate that no stopping, waiting or parking is permitted by any vehicles at any time, as outlined by accompanying signs.
Is it illegal to cross a solid white line UK? ›“You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.”
Can you overtake on the left UK? ›Rule 268. Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake. In congested conditions, where adjacent lanes of traffic are moving at similar speeds, traffic in left-hand lanes may sometimes be moving faster than traffic to the right.
Is it illegal to drive without a horn in the UK? ›Horns are mandatory on all cars, and they are required for a reason: to warn drivers or pedestrians of hazards.