UK Road Markings Explained
Road markings play a vital role in ensuring safety on the roads. They guide you on the rules to follow, such as when overtaking is permitted, when you need to stop or give way, and who has the right of way. They can also help you choose the correct lane at roundabouts and maintain a safe driving position. Understanding them is crucial for all drivers.
Whether you're preparing for your theory test, brushing up for your practical, or just looking to fill gaps in your knowledge as an experienced driver, we've created the ultimate guide to UK road markings. While there are many variations, the common themes make them easier to learn—just tackle them one section at a time.
Lines Across the Road
Lines painted across your path often indicate the need to stop, give way, or proceed with caution.
Solid White Lines: Stop or Be Prepared to Stop
Stop Lines at Traffic Lights or Police Controls
A solid white line across your lane shows where you must stop when required, such as at red lights or police-controlled areas. This is often accompanied by traffic lights or signals.
Familiarise yourself with other traffic light rules, such as how to handle an emergency vehicle approaching when you're stopped at a red light.
Advanced Stop Lines
You may see an advance stop line set slightly before the main stop line, marking an area reserved for cyclists. Unless the light is green, you should stop at the first stop line, entering the cycle zone only if it’s unsafe to stop earlier.
Junction Stop Lines
Solid white lines at certain junctions mean you must stop completely and check all directions before proceeding. These are usually paired with an octagonal STOP sign to emphasise the rule.
Broken White Lines: Give Way
Junction Give Way Lines
A double broken white line means you’re approaching a major road where drivers on that road have priority. Slow down and give way, stopping if necessary, especially at closed junctions with limited visibility.
Roundabout Give Way Lines
Single broken white lines at roundabouts indicate where you need to give way to traffic approaching from the right. Mini roundabouts have thicker dashed lines, but the rule remains the same: traffic from the right has priority.
Centre Line Road Markings
Centre lines dictate where you can safely cross into oncoming traffic lanes.
Broken White Centre Lines
These separate your lane from oncoming traffic. You can cross them to overtake slower vehicles or obstacles, but only if it’s safe and within the speed limit.
Tip: The length of the lines and gaps can vary. When the lines are longer than the gaps, this signals a potential hazard ahead, such as a bend or junction. Take extra caution in these areas.
By understanding and following these road markings, you'll not only increase your confidence on the road but also ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Line dividers
Short Broken White Lines
Lane Boundaries on Dual Carriageways or Motorways
These lines separate lanes and remind you to keep your car within its designated lane. Struggling with spatial awareness? Check out Leo Driving School’s tips on road positioning. In the UK, always drive in the left-hand lane unless overtaking or in specific circumstances. Driving unnecessarily in the middle or right-hand lanes—commonly known as "middle-lane hogging"—can result in fines.
Double White Lines in the Centre of the Road
Parking Restrictions
Parking is prohibited on roads with double white lines, except when picking up or dropping off passengers or loading/unloading goods.
Double White Lines (Nearest Line Broken)
If the nearest line to you is broken, you may overtake if it’s safe. Look out for arrows or signs instructing you to return to your lane promptly—do not begin overtaking if you cannot complete it before encountering a solid white line on your side.
Double White Lines (Nearest Line Solid)
Solid white lines indicate that overtaking is generally unsafe. You may only cross if:
Turning into a property or side road.
Passing a stationary vehicle, cyclist, horse, or road maintenance vehicle traveling at 10 mph or less.
Important: When overtaking cyclists or horses, give sufficient room:
Cyclists: Leave at least 1.5m (more if overtaking above 30 mph).
Horses: Leave a 2m gap and drive under 10 mph.
Double Solid White Lines
These must not be crossed unless it’s safe, the road is clear, and you’re:
Parking Lines
Single Yellow Lines
These indicate parking and waiting restrictions at certain times, as specified on nearby signs. The restriction applies to both the road and the pavement.
Tip: Blue Badge holders can typically park on single yellow lines for up to three hours unless double yellow kerb markings are present.
Double Yellow Lines
Parking is prohibited at all times unless otherwise indicated by signs. Blue Badge holders may park for up to three hours.
Kerb Markings
Single Yellow Kerb Line: Loading/unloading allowed during designated times (check signage).
Double Yellow Kerb Lines: Loading/unloading is prohibited at all times, but you may stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers.
Red Lines (Red Routes)
Found in areas like London, red lines indicate stricter parking restrictions.
Single Red Lines: Waiting is allowed only at specified times.
Double Red Lines: No stopping at any time.
Parking Bays
These are marked by broken white lines. Check signage for restrictions such as permits, time limits, or fees. Special bays may be reserved for doctors, police, or other specified vehicles, clearly marked with the occupant’s designation.
Other UK Road Markings
Edge Lines
A white line at the edge of the road indicates its boundary. Avoid crossing this line, especially at high speeds, as it can lead to accidents.
Give Way Triangles
An elongated triangle indicates an upcoming junction where you must give way to traffic on the adjoining road.
Diagonal Stripes or Chevrons
These separate traffic flows.
Broken Border: You may cross or straddle these lines if safe and necessary.
Solid Border: Crossing is only allowed in emergencies.
Slow Markings
The word "Slow" painted on the road indicates potential hazards. Adjust your speed appropriately and stay vigilant.
Keep Clear
Keep Clear Road Markings
These markings are designed to keep junctions and access points free of congestion. Avoid stopping on Keep Clear areas to ensure vehicles can turn in or out of junctions without obstruction.
School Keep Clear
Similar to standard Keep Clear markings, these are typically found outside schools. You must not stop within these zones—even briefly to pick up or drop off children.
Pedestrian Crossings
Zebra Crossings: Characterised by alternating white lines across the road. Stop for pedestrians waiting to cross.
White Zigzag Lines: Found near crossings, these prohibit parking or overtaking as they obstruct visibility and safety.
Stop Lines: These are often at traffic light-controlled crossings and mark where you must stop when required.
Bus Lanes
Identifying Bus Lanes
Bus lanes are marked with "Bus Lane" painted at intervals and often have coloured surfaces or are separated by white lines (solid or broken).
Rules for Crossing Bus Lanes
You may only cross into a bus lane when: Exit the bus lane as soon as possible after crossing.
Parking in Bus Lanes
Stopping is allowed only if no other restrictions prohibit it.
Cycle Lanes
Identifying Cycle Lanes
Cycle lanes have a bicycle symbol and are marked by either broken or solid white lines.
Turning Across Cycle Lanes
When turning, treat the cycle lane as you would any other traffic lane—give way to cyclists using it.
Bus Stops
Bus Stop Markings
Marked with yellow broken lines and the words "Bus Stop." You must not park within these areas, as they are reserved for buses only.
Yellow Box Junctions
General Rules
Yellow box junctions are marked with criss-cross yellow lines to prevent gridlock. You may stop within the box only when waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic. Ensure your exit path to the right is clear before entering. Leo Driving School can help simplify box junction rules with practical demonstrations.
Chevrons
Chevrons on Motorways and Dual Carriageways
Found on high-speed roads, these markings help maintain safe following distances. Signs typically instruct drivers to keep two chevrons apart to avoid tailgating.
Speed Bump Markings
Speed bumps may feature white arrows or contrasting colours to make them more visible. Slow down and drive carefully when approaching these traffic-calming measures.
By understanding and following these road markings, you’ll ensure smoother, safer journeys.