UK road markings
Lines and words painted on the road give instructions, warnings and information, often alongside a sign. Some markings carry legal restrictions, so it pays to know them as well as you know the signs.
Yellow lines
Yellow lines along the edge of the road show waiting restrictions. Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless signs show seasonal restrictions. A single yellow line means no waiting during the times shown on nearby signs.
- Double yellow lines
- Single yellow line
- Kerb loading marks
White lines
White lines along the middle of the road separate traffic. Longer dashes warn of a hazard ahead. Where the line nearest to you is solid, you must not cross or straddle it except in the limited situations set out in the Highway Code.
- Centre lines
- Hazard warning lines
- Double white lines
- Give way lines
- Stop line
Lane markings
Arrows and lines that show which lane to use for the direction you want to take. Get into the correct lane in good time.
- Lane arrows
- Lane dividers
- Hatched areas
Box junctions
Criss-cross yellow lines at a junction. You must not enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. You may wait in it to turn right if you are only held up by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right.
- Box junction
Bus lanes
A lane separated by a wide solid white line and marked BUS LANE. Signs show when it operates and which vehicles may use it.
- With-flow bus lane
- Contraflow bus lane
Keep clear markings
Markings that show where you should not stop, such as outside an entrance used by emergency vehicles. School entrances are marked with yellow zigzag lines and SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR.
- KEEP CLEAR
- School keep clear
Pedestrian and cycle markings
Zigzag lines on each side of a pedestrian crossing mark an area where you must not park or wait. At some traffic lights, an advanced stop line gives cyclists space at the front. Drivers must stop at the first white line when the lights are amber or red.
- Zigzag lines
- Advanced stop line
- Cycle lanes
Detailed pages for each marking are coming soon. Summaries are based on the Highway Code: road markings (opens GOV.UK), which has the full rules.
Road markings quiz
Check you can tell a single yellow line from a double, and a box junction from a keep clear.