Road Markings
Types of markings
Road markings are either horizontal (painted on the surface) or vertical (on barriers and posts). Horizontal markings include longitudinal lines separating lanes and lateral lines marking crossings and stop positions. A solid white line cannot be crossed; a broken white line may be crossed when safe. A double solid line forbids crossing in either direction. A yellow line along the kerb marks a no-stopping zone. A blue zone with a white 'P' marks paid parking.
Reading the markings
The centre line tells you whether overtaking is permitted: broken means yes, solid means no. A 'zebra' crossing is marked by wide white stripes parallel to the road axis. A stop line is a solid white line across the lane, and vehicles must stop before it, not on it. Vertical markings use black and white stripes on obstacles and red and white on barriers.
Traps in questions
Questions often show a broken line that becomes solid just before a hazard; the correct answer is that overtaking must be completed before the solid section begins. Another trap is the distinction between a stop line and a crossing boundary - stopping on the crossing is an offence even if the light is red. Markings that conflict with signs are overridden by the signs, except temporary markings, which override permanent signs. Remember that a driver may cross a solid line only to avoid an obstacle, and only if it is safe.
Rule of thumb
Treat any solid line as a wall, any broken line as a door, and any yellow kerb line as a 'no stopping' notice. If a sign and a marking disagree, the sign wins unless the marking is temporary.
Worked example
A driver approaches an intersection where the centre line is broken, but a 'no overtaking' sign stands beside the road. The sign prevails, so overtaking is prohibited despite the broken line.