UK Road Marking Guide 2019

One of the most recognisable road markings for drivers in the UK, the “Stop” line is something everyone has to adhere to.

This Stop line is thinner than the typical road marking that is located near a Stop sign.

This road line is also used for Police control areas.

This line is thicker than the ones you will find at signals or Police control areas.

These lines are located next to Stop signs and you must come to a complete stop before crossing.

Typically, this road marking is found at medium to large roundabouts.

This line is to tell you that you must give way to traffic from the right of a roundabout.

A shorter, fatter pattern of lines to tell you to give way to traffic from the right.

Located on mini-roundabouts, this line is a more condensed version of one you would find on a larger roundabout.

Located at the end of a road, leading onto another road – the give way lines are there for your safety.

Upon approaching the lines, take caution and give way to oncoming traffic.

There’s no need to come to a complete stop here unless it’s unsafe to continue.

The broken white line marks the centre of the road for drivers.

When the lines are shorter and the gaps are longer, this indicates it’s safer to cross the lines (to overtake or turn).

Do not cross these lines if it would put you or others in danger.

When the broken white lines on a carriageway become longer and the gap between them shortens, this indicates a hazard is near.

Usually this will happen when approaching slip-roads, when junctions pose a hazard to drivers or when traffic is merging.

Short road lines spaced far away used to create lanes.

Stay within the lines and only overtake when it is safe to do so.

Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road.

These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right.

If the area is surrounded by broken white lines, do not enter that area unless absolutely necessary.

If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.

Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid.

This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road.

You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

If you see double white lines in the middle of the road and the side closest to you is “broken”, you are allowed to cross over to ordertake.

You must be able to get back before that line becomes unbroken again.

Arrow lines will indicate that you need to get back over to your lane.

A single white line that runs along the edge of a carriageway.

This helps drivers stay clear of the side of the road, allowing a safer journey for everyone.

Some edge lines will be fitted with “raised ribs” or rumble strips to alert drivers if they are straddling close to the edge.

Solid yellow lines indicate you cannot park or wait.

You are allowed to pull-over and stop to allow passengers to board or alight.

A single solid yellow line means you are not to wait or load/unload during the times shown on a sign.

If there is no sign then the rules are in force everyday including Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Indicated by two yellow lines painted onto the kerb, these show you cannot load or unload at any time.

Loading and unloading is permitted outside of the times shown.

You cannot park here unless you are loading or unloading.

You cannot stop at any time with these road markings.

You are not permitted to stop, load, unload or drop passengers off here unless you are a licensed taxi or a blue badge holder.

A single solid red line accompanied with signage means you cannot stop within the stated times.

Single lines are only a guide and you must consult nearby signs to confirm.

Here you are permitted to park within the days and times shown.

The length of stay is stated on a nearby sign and you may not be allowed to return within a certain time frame.

Red bays indicate they can be used for parking within specific times.

Some bays will allow loading or unloading for a certain length of time.