3.4 Road Markings
Road markings are just as important as road signs. They organize traffic flow, indicate where you can and cannot go, and provide crucial warnings or information directly on the road surface. Understanding them is essential for safe lane positioning and correct intersection procedures.
A. Lane Lines
These are the most common markings and they separate lanes of traffic.
- Broken White Line: You may cross this line to change lanes or overtake, but only when it is safe to do so. This is the standard lane divider on most multi-lane roads.
- Solid White Line: You may not cross this line or straddle it. It indicates that changing lanes or overtaking is prohibited and dangerous. You will find these on sharp bends, before intersections, or near potential hazards.
- Combination Solid and Broken White Line: This is a “two-way” instruction.
- If the broken line is on your side, you may cross the line to overtake if it is safe.
- If the solid line is on your side, you may not cross the line.
- Double Solid White Lines: These are the strictest prohibition. You may never cross these lines for any reason. They are used where visibility is extremely limited or traffic volumes are high.
- Yellow Lines: A solid yellow line painted on the edge of the road marks the boundary of the roadway (the shoulder). You may not drive to the right of this line, except to stop in an emergency or if directed by a traffic officer. A broken yellow line may indicate a temporary detour lane in roadworks.
(Image Suggestion: A top-down diagram showing a road with a solid white line on one side and a broken/solid combination line on the other, with cars illustrating what is and isn’t permitted.)
B. Painted Islands
These are areas marked with diagonal white stripes and bordered by a solid white line. They are designed to separate lanes of traffic or direct vehicles away from a hazard.
- Rule: You may not drive on or stop over a painted island for any reason. Treat it as if it were a solid physical barrier.
(Image Suggestion: A clear photo or diagram of a painted island, often found before a bridge support or where a road splits.)
C. Stop and Yield Lines
These markings work together with Stop and Yield signs.
- Stop Line: A single, solid white line painted across the lane before an intersection or pedestrian crossing. If there is a STOP sign, you must stop completely before your vehicle’s front bumper crosses this line.
- Yield Line: A series of broken white triangles (like shark teeth) pointing towards you. You must give way to other traffic and be prepared to stop before this line if necessary.
D. Information and Parking Markings
- Arrows: Painted on the road surface, these indicate the mandatory direction of travel for that lane (e.g., straight only, left turn only, or a combination). You must obey these arrows.
- Parking Bays: Solid white lines marking individual parking spots. You must park your vehicle completely within these lines.
- Disabled Parking: A parking bay marked with a yellow wheelchair symbol is reserved exclusively for vehicles displaying a valid disabled parking permit.
- Loading Zones: Often marked with yellow lines and text, these zones are for commercial vehicles to load or unload goods and are not for general parking.