How to distinguish between different types of road markings
Besides traffic signs, road markings are also a common form of signaling for road users and come in many different types.
The main function of road markings is to ensure traffic order and to properly separate lanes 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 purpose, traffic markings can be shown as solid or dashed lines, forming shapes such as rhombuses, crisscrosses, V-shaped herringbones, etc.
Types of road markings and their functions
Vertical line (along the centerline)
- Solid vertical line: used to prohibit all types of vehicles (motorized and non-motorized) from crossing or driving on that line. This line is used to divide the road into two lanes (going and returning); separating the lane for non-motorized vehicles from that for motorized vehicles.
- Double solid vertical line: This line is used to draw extra attention from drivers and ensure they follow the regulations of the solid vertical line to guarantee absolute safety for road users. This line is usually painted on curves, dangerous sections of road, and on straight, wide sections of road where vehicles can travel at high speeds.
Drivers should note that cars traveling on roads with solid vertical lines are not allowed to overtake the car in front.
- Dashed longitudinal lines: These are road markings used to separate lanes for motorized vehicles; dividing the road section for non-motorized vehicles and motorized vehicles. Cars traveling on a road section with dashed longitudinal lines are permitted to overtake the car in front, but must quickly return to their own lane after overtaking.
Horizontal line
- Solid horizontal line: This line serves as a "stop" sign. It requires all motorized and non-motorized vehicles to stop before the line and wait for instructions from the traffic controller.
- Dashed lines across the road: these are lines used to separate the lanes designated for pedestrians or cyclists (near intersections) to cross the road.
Yellow road markings
Yellow lane markings serve to separate and distinguish two lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. There are five types of yellow lane markings:
- Yellow dashed line: Used to separate two lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions on roads with two or more lanes and no median strip. Vehicles are permitted to cross over and use the opposite lane on both sides.
- Solid yellow single line: Separates two lanes of traffic on roads with 2 or 3 lanes and no median. Vehicles are not allowed to drive on the line or cross into other lanes. Solid yellow single lines are used on road sections where visibility for overtaking is poor and there is a risk of head-on collisions.
ButDouble solid yellow lines: Used to separate two lanes of traffic on roads with four or more lanes, without a median strip. Vehicles are not allowed to cross the line or drive on it. These lines are often used on road sections where visibility for overtaking is poor, where there is a high risk of head-on collisions, or in other necessary locations.
- A yellow line, one broken and one solid: Used to separate two directions of traffic on roads with two or more lanes, without a median divider, and in sections where it is necessary to prohibit vehicles from using the opposite lane in a specific direction of travel to ensure safety.
Vehicles in the lane adjacent to the dashed line are permitted to cross and use the opposite lane when necessary; vehicles in the lane adjacent to the solid line are not permitted to cross the line.
- Parallel dashed yellow lines: These lines are used to define the boundaries of lanes where the direction of traffic may change over time. The direction of traffic at any given time on a lane may change as regulated by traffic controllers, traffic lights, signs, or other appropriate signals.
White road markings
White lane markings are designed to separate and distinguish lanes traveling in the same direction. There are two types of white lane markings:
- White dashed lines: These lines are used to separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction, allowing drivers to change lanes across the line.
- Solid white line: Used to separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction when changing lanes or using another lane is not permitted; vehicles are not allowed to cross the line or drive on it.
Double solid white line
Two continuous white lines (double lines) of equal width are used to separate two lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions on roads with four or more lanes; vehicles are not allowed to cross the lines.
White diamond-shaped line
These are road markings indicating that a pedestrian crossing is approaching, warning drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing the road.
V-shaped fishbone pattern
This is a type of lane marking used to divide traffic into two directions. Vehicles are not allowed to cross or cut through this line except in emergency situations as stipulated in the road traffic law. For example, one direction goes up an overpass, and the other goes underneath. Vehicles are not permitted to enter this lane.
Crossroads
The white crisscross markings are not included in regulation 41 and therefore have no legal effect. However, in practice, these markings serve a visual purpose, helping road users to distinguish the right-turn lane more clearly, as they are accompanied by an arrow indicating the right-turn lane. If a vehicle enters this lane but continues straight, it will be penalized for "failing to comply with traffic signs and road markings."
Additionally, crisscross markings are used to warn drivers that they are not allowed to stop within the area marked on the road to avoid traffic congestion. If a vehicle enters this area but continues straight, it will be penalized for "failing to comply with traffic signs and road markings."
Left-turn lane markings at intersections
The line is used to create a waiting space for vehicles turning left after they have passed the stop line on the approach ramp of an intersection with traffic lights, but cannot proceed through the intersection during the time the traffic light allows left turns.
When the time allotted for a left turn has expired, and the vehicle has already crossed the stop line on the approach ramp 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.
