What do the different road markings mean? [ Infographic ]

If you’re wondering “What do the different road markings mean?”, you’re not alone. There are so many different kinds of road markings in use today that it can be difficult to make sense of them all. Nonetheless, these road markings are vital for keeping drivers and pedestrians safe. Road markings have been preventing accidents and injuries for generations. Let’s take a look at some of the most common road markings and find out what they mean right now.

Common road markings in the UK

Some of the most commonly-seen road markings in the UK include:

• White lines across the road. These markings generally appear alongside traffic lights, but you may also see them in areas of police control. If the police instruct you to stop at a white line, you must do so.
• A stop line at a ‘Stop’ sign. These white lines are thicker than the ones seen at traffic lights. They are used to tell you to stop and give way to traffic before you can proceed. They are seen next to stop lines and are commonly seen at junctions that don’t have traffic lights.
• White double broken lines. These lines tell motorists to give way to traffic when they’re using major roads. You don’t always have to stop at these lines, but it is important to look out for traffic that’s crossing your path before you proceed.
• Broken white line. Give way to traffic from the right at a roundabout. This marking is usually seen at larger roundabouts.
• Chunky broken white lines on a mini roundabout. The purpose of these chunky broken lines is to tell you to give way to the traffic coming from the right when using mini roundabouts.

More common markings:

• Edge line. These white lines appear on the left-hand side of the road. These lines are sometimes ribbed, which ensures drivers can feel the bumps when they move off the road. They also go by the name of ‘raised edge profile lines’ and tend to appear in areas that are prone to becoming foggy and misty.
• Centre line. These broken white lines are seen in the middle of the road. Their purpose is to separate traffic that’s moving in opposite directions and can vary both in length and gap size. These are amongst the markings you’ll most commonly see on the roads of Britain.
• Hazard warning line. These lines are very similar in appearance to centre lines. A key difference is that the painted sections are longer than the unpainted sections seen between them.
• Double white lines. These lines can vary in terms of appearance. In some cases, both lines are solid. However, you may note that the closest line to you is broken in some circumstances. According to the Highway Code, you can cross over the lines to overtake another motorist if it is safe and you can complete the move before you reach a solid white line on your side.
• White diagonal stripes. The main purpose of these lines is to separate lines. They can also protect right-turning traffic. Highway Code Rule 130 states that motorists should not move into areas which are bordered by broken white lines unless it is completely safe and necessary to do so. If you come across an area that is marked by chevrons and that’s bordered by solid white lines, you’ll only be able to enter it in an emergency.

What are some more road markings?

• Lane lines. Another name for lane lines is lane dividers. These are white markings with short, broken lines that you need to drive within. You’ll normally see these lines on wider roads. The lines are used to ensure driving space is divided safely.
• Single yellow lines. You’ll normally see single yellow lines on road edges. They tell motorists not to wait in specific sections between certain times. You can normally see these times on nearby signs. If you can’t see any signs close by, this will most likely mean that restrictions are in force around the clock.
• Double yellow lines. Double yellow lines are often visible on the edge of roads where you can’t wait in your car at any time.
• White bay markings. These markings are rectangular and feature broken lines. When these lines appear, you’ll normally see a sign close by which will tell you how long you can park or wait in these areas and when you can do so.
• Loading bays. Loading bays feature rectangular markings and a single broken white line. You will normally see the words “loading only” across the edges of the bay.
• Named bays. These markings have a rectangular shape and a broken white line. You will typically see a word such as “POLICE” which lets you know who the bays have been reserved for. 
• Double yellow kerb lines. These markings are seen across kerbs and let you know that loading and unloading are prohibited at all times. You are very likely to see these lines on high streets and close to shopping centres.

Who can help with road markings in Sheffield? 

If you have been wondering “What do the different road markings mean”, talk to our team. We have been providing road markings in Sheffield for many years and are able to count many well-known clients amongst our customer network. No job is ever too big or small for our team. You can relax in the knowledge that our linemarking operatives have vast experience behind them. We also have quality assurance to ISO 9001. Free quotations and site surveys are available.

Contact us 

Now you know what do the different road markings mean, why not get in touch to find out about our services? For road markings in Sheffield, call us on 0800 086 2509, or complete the form on the website. We will respond as quickly as we possibly can. 

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