Purpose of Road Markings
Road markings guide traffic flow, indicate lane boundaries, and provide rules about overtaking, parking, and stopping. Understanding them is essential for safe driving.
White Line Markings
- Solid White Line (single) — Do not cross or straddle this line. Separates traffic flowing in the same direction. Stay in your lane.
- Broken White Line (dashed) — You may cross this line to overtake or change lanes when safe to do so.
- Double Solid White Lines — Absolutely no crossing from either direction. No overtaking allowed at all. This indicates a high-risk zone such as blind curves or hilltops.
- Solid Line with Broken Line (combination) — If the broken line is on your side, you may cross to overtake. If the solid line is on your side, you must not cross.
Yellow Line Markings
- Single Yellow Line — No parking during restricted hours (check nearby signs for specific times). Short stopping to pick up or drop off passengers may be allowed.
- Double Yellow Lines — No parking or stopping at any time.
- Yellow Zigzag Lines — No parking or stopping. Usually found near bus stops, pedestrian crossings, and emergency access areas.
- Yellow Box Junction — Do not enter the box unless your exit is clear. Blocking the box is an offense.
Other Important Markings
- Stop Line — Solid white line across your lane at a junction. You must stop behind this line. Your vehicle must not cross it when the light is red.
- Give Way Line (broken line across lane) — You must slow down and give way to traffic on the main road.
- Pedestrian Crossing (Zebra) — Black and white stripes across the road. You must stop for pedestrians who are on or about to step onto the crossing.
- Chevron Markings (diagonal stripes) — Areas marked with diagonal white lines bordered by solid lines. Do not enter this area — it separates traffic or provides a buffer zone.
- Directional Arrows — Arrows painted on the road surface indicate which direction you must travel in that lane. Follow them accordingly.
- Speed Limit Markings — Speed numbers painted on the road surface serve as reminders of the speed limit.
- Rumble Strips — Raised or grooved patterns on the road surface that create vibration and noise to alert drivers (common before toll plazas and sharp curves).
Key Rules
- Never overtake across double solid white lines
- Always stop behind the stop line at traffic lights
- Yellow markings relate to parking and stopping restrictions
- Follow directional arrows painted on the road