Road Markings: Colour, Line Type and Manoeuvres
What this domain covers
Road markings complement signs and are tested through their colour, shape and the manoeuvres they permit. The key skill is reading a marking together with the sign or signal above it.
Horizontal markings
- White lines: 1.1 solid edge or centre line (crossing prohibited), 1.2 double solid, 1.5 broken lane line (crossing allowed when safe), 1.6 approach line to a solid, 1.14.1 zebra crossing, 1.16.1–1.16.3 traffic islands.
- Yellow lines: 1.4 no stopping, 1.10 no parking; 1.17 yellow zigzag marks a bus stop.
- Blue markings designate paid parking zones.
- A double line with a broken line on your side (1.11) may be crossed from the broken side only.
Vertical markings
Black-and-white stripes on barriers, bridge supports and obstacles improve visibility; they do not by themselves give priority.
Worked example
A driver wants to turn left across a 1.1 solid line while a broken line is on the opposite side. The broken side belongs to oncoming traffic; from the driver's side the line is solid, so the turn is prohibited. Wait for a break or a permitted junction.
Traps
- Crossing 1.1 to overtake because the road looks clear.
- Ignoring yellow 1.4 near a stop: it bans stopping, not just parking.
- Confusing 1.5 broken lane lines with permission to change lanes without checking.