Not everyone remembers the functions 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.
Besides the traffic sign system, road markings are also a common form of signaling and have many different types. However, few people understand the meaning and rules of all types of road markings, so they often violate and are fined by traffic police without knowing what mistake they have made.
Meaning of road markings
Currently, according to the new standard 41:2016/BGTVT effective from November 1, 2016, yellow and white lines are no longer divided by area but by purpose. Specifically, the group of lines dividing two-way traffic is yellow and the group of lines dividing lanes running in the same direction is white.
The types of road markings according to the latest standard 41 are specified as follows:
Line along the center of the road
Solid vertical lines:Used to prohibit vehicles (motorized and non-motorized) from exceeding 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 and motorized vehicles.
Double solid vertical lines:This is a line used to increase driver attention and follow the regulations of the solid vertical line to ensure absolute safety for traffic participants. This line is often drawn on curved, dangerous roads and straight, wide roads that can allow vehicles to run 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; dividing the road for non-motorized vehicles and motor vehicles. Cars running on a road section with a broken vertical line will be allowed to overtake the car in front, but immediately after overtaking must quickly return to their lane.
Crossroads
Horizontal lines: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.
Dashed line across the road:This is a line used to divide the road section for pedestrians or cyclists (near intersections) to cross the road.
Yellow dashed line:Dividing two lanes running in opposite directions on roads with two or more lanes and no median strip in the middle, vehicles are allowed to cut across and use the opposite lane on both sides.
Solid yellow single line:Divides two directions of traffic for roads with 2 or 3 lanes, without a median strip. Vehicles are not allowed to cross the line or encroach on the lane. For single solid yellow lines, used on road sections that do not ensure overtaking visibility, there is a 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 cross lanes, and are not allowed to cross 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 broken yellow line, one solid line:Used to separate two directions of traffic on roads with two or more lanes, without a median strip separating 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 lines:Used to define the boundary of a lane that may change direction over time. The direction of travel at any given time on a changeable lane is determined by traffic controllers, traffic signals, signs, or other appropriate signals.
White dashed line:Used to divide lanes in the same direction, the dashed white line allows 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 other lanes; vehicles are not allowed to encroach on lanes or cross 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 crossing sign indicating an upcoming pedestrian crossing.
V-shaped fish bone:Used to divide traffic into two directions. Vehicles are not allowed to cross or cross this line except in emergency cases as prescribed by road traffic laws.
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 lights allow left turns.
When the allowed 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 in the intersection, it must stop in the waiting lane area.
Group of road centerline dividing lines
Single, dashed centerline dividing line:The line is about 15cm wide, the length of the solid line is from 1 - 3m, broken once, the broken space is 2 - 6m long (the space is twice the length of the solid line).
Single line dividing the road centerline, solid (unbroken):The line is 15cm wide and runs along the entire specified road section.
Double, solid line dividing the road centerline:2 parallel lines with equal width of 15cm, distance between two lines is about 15 - 50cm.
Double centerline dividing line, 1 solid line and 1 dashed line:2 parallel lines 15cm wide, distance between two lines about 15 - 50cm. Solid lines run along the entire specified road section, broken lines have continuous sections 1 - 3m long, broken sections are 2 - 6m long (twice as long as continuous sections)
Double lines define the boundaries between lanes (which can be diverted):The line is 15cm wide, the distance between two lines is from 15 - 20cm, the solid line is from 1 - 2m long, the empty space is 3 - 6m long (3 times the solid line).
One-way (same direction) lane dividing lines
Single, solid line dividing line in the same direction:The line is 15cm wide and runs along the entire specified road section.
Single, dashed, parallel lane dividing line: Line width is 15cm, solid line length is from 1 - 3m, broken space length is from 3 - 6m (3 times longer than solid line)
Priority lane markings, solid or dashed:The width of the 30cm line is 15cm larger than the normal lines.
Road edge line group (vehicle lane limit)
Single line, dashed line:Width from 15cm - 20cm, solid line is only 60cm, broken line is also only 60cm.
Single line edge drawing, solid line:Line width from 15 - 20cm.
