Road Markings
Reading the road surface
Markings either duplicate signs or add information signs cannot express. Horizontal markings include longitudinal lines (centre lines, lane lines, edge lines) and transverse lines (stop line, give-way line, crossing). Vertical markings are black-and-white patterns on obstacles, bridges, and kerbs.
The lines you must know
A solid white centre line cannot be crossed; a broken one may be crossed when safe and when the manoeuvre is permitted. A double solid line is the strictest separation of opposing flows. A single solid line on your side of a broken line means the restriction applies to you only. Yellow zigzag or solid lines near stops and crossings restrict stopping. A stop line means stop before it at a stop sign or red light; the give-way line means yield without necessarily stopping. Arrows in lanes bind you to that direction.
Traps
Markings are frequently paired with signs in questions to test which prevails. Signs outrank markings, and markings outrank general rules. Another trap: a broken line does not authorise overtaking where a sign forbids it, and a solid line does not forbid crossing into a lay-by where the line is interrupted. Also watch for the blue-and-white kerb marking that regulates stopping in settlements.
Rule of thumb
Ask three questions in order: does a controller or light decide? does a sign decide? does a marking decide? Only then apply the default rule. This sequence solves most marking questions without memorising every pattern.