How to distinguish types of road markings

The main function of road markings is to ensure traffic order and separate lanes reasonably so that vehicles can move smoothly and safely.

In terms of color, there are two main types of road markings: yellow road markings and white road markings.

In terms of shape, depending on the task, traffic markings can be shown as solid or broken lines, forming diamond, mesh, V-shaped fishbone...

Types of road markings and their functions

Longitudinal lines (along the road centerline)

- Solid vertical line: used to prohibit vehicles (motorized and non-motorized) from crossing or pressing on that line. This line is used to divide the road into two directions (going and returning); dividing the road for non-motorized vehicles from that for motorized vehicles.

- Double solid vertical lines: this is a line used to increase driver attention and follow the regulations of the solid vertical lines to ensure absolute safety for traffic participants. This line is often drawn on curved, dangerous roads and straight, wide roads that allow vehicles to travel at high speeds.

Traffic participants need to pay attention that cars driving on roads with continuous vertical lines are not allowed to overtake the car in front.

- Broken vertical lines: this is a road marking used to divide the motor vehicle lanes; divide the road for non-motor vehicles and motor vehicles. Cars running on a road section with broken vertical lines are allowed to overtake the car in front, but immediately after overtaking, they must quickly return to their lane.

Crossroads

- Horizontal solid line: this line has the same meaning as a “stop” sign. This line requires all motor vehicles and non-motorized vehicles to stop before the line and wait for the traffic controller’s command.

- Cross-road broken line: this is a line used to divide the road for pedestrians or cyclists (near intersections) to cross the road.

Yellow line

Yellow road markings serve to separate and distinguish between two lanes going in opposite directions. There are 5 types of yellow road markings including:

- Yellow dashed line: Used to separate two lanes running in opposite directions on roads with 2 or more lanes and no median strip in the middle. Vehicles are allowed to cross and use the opposite lane on both sides.

- Solid yellow single line: Divides two directions of traffic on roads with 2 or 3 lanes, without a median strip. Vehicles are not allowed to cross the line or encroach on the lane. Solid yellow single lines are used on roads that do not ensure overtaking visibility, with the risk of head-on accidents.

-Double solid yellow line: Used to separate two directions of traffic on roads with 4 lanes or more, without a median strip, vehicles are not allowed to encroach on the lane or run over the line. This line is often used on road sections that do not ensure overtaking visibility, have a high risk of head-on traffic accidents, or in other necessary locations.

- One solid and one broken yellow line: Used to separate two directions of traffic on roads with two or more lanes, without a median strip separating the two directions of traffic, used in sections where it is necessary to prohibit vehicles from using the opposite lane in a certain direction of traffic to ensure safety.

Vehicles on the lane adjacent to the dashed line are allowed to cross and use the opposite lane when necessary, vehicles on the lane adjacent to the solid line are not allowed to cross the line.

-Parallel broken yellow line: The line used to determine the boundary of a lane that can change direction over time. The direction of traffic at a given time on a lane that can change direction is determined by traffic controllers, traffic signals, signs or other appropriate signals.

White road markings

White road markings are designed to separate and distinguish between lanes in the same direction. There are 2 types of white road markings:

-Broken white line: Used to divide lanes in the same direction, allowing traffic participants to change lanes across the line.

-Solid white line: Used to divide lanes in the same direction in cases where vehicles are not allowed to change lanes or use another lane; vehicles are not allowed to encroach on lanes or run over the line.

Double solid white line

Two continuous white lines (double lines) of equal width are used to separate two lines of traffic going in opposite directions on roads with four or more lanes. Vehicles are not allowed to cross the lines.

White diamond line

This is a marking that indicates an approaching crosswalk, warning drivers to yield to pedestrians.

V-shaped fish bone

This is a type of traffic channel line, which is used to divide the traffic flow into two directions. Vehicles are not allowed to encroach or cross this line area except in emergency cases as prescribed by the road traffic law. For example, one direction goes up the overpass, the other direction goes under the overpass. Vehicles are not allowed to enter this line area.

Eye line at the intersection

This is a type of white grid line that is not included in the standard 41, so it has no legal effect. However, in reality, this type of line is visual in nature, helping traffic participants to distinguish more clearly, because it is accompanied by an arrow indicating the right turn lane. If a vehicle enters this lane but goes straight, it will be penalized for "not complying with the command of the sign, road markings".

In addition, the grid-like lines are used to notify drivers of vehicles not to stop within the road surface area where the lines are arranged to avoid traffic congestion. If a vehicle enters this part of the road but goes straight, it will be penalized for "not complying with the command of signs and road markings".

Left turn lane marking at intersection

The line is used to create a waiting space for vehicles to turn left after they have passed the stop line on the approach to an intersection with traffic lights, but cannot pass the intersection during the time the traffic light allows left turns.

When the permitted left turn time has expired and the vehicle has passed the stop line on the approach but has not yet passed the area limited by the left turn waiting lane at the intersection, it must stop in the waiting lane area.