What do Different Carriageway Markings Mean?

The UK road network is full of different road markings, these are to help you get to your destination with ease. Normally they advise motorists on what they should be doing whether this is warning drivers to slow down or it could be directional and tell motorists on the correct lane to take. Road markings are an aid to all motorists – you should always take heed of what they are commanding you to do.

Broken White Lines

A broken white line in the middle of the road: This separates one side of a single carriageway road from the other.

White Lines

A smaller broken white line in the middle of the road: This separates traffic travelling in the same direction into two lanes, this can be seen on a single carriageway when there is a “Climbing Lane” for slower traffic or it can be more commonly seen on a dual carriageway to separate the two lanes of traffic.

A longer broken white line in the middle of the road: This usually means that you are approaching a hazard, there may also be an accompanying upright sign in the vicinity which will indicate the nature of the hazard, such as a bend, a hidden dip or that you are approaching a junction.

Hatching

Hatching: You will notice this as it is marked by diagonal white lines (hatched markings) these are placed in the centre of the road. The hatching separates one side of the road from the other and is usually placed and needed when there is a junction off the current road. The sole use is to protect the traffic that is turning right. You must not enter any hatched area for any other reason than turning to your right.

Chevrons

Chevron Hatching: This is where part of the carriageway traffic passes in the same direction on either side of the chevron marking. You cannot enter the chevron hatching unless safe to do so. This is usually found at exits off dual carriageways and motorways.

Chevrons enclosed in a triangular and continuous boundary: This means that vehicles must not enter the marked area except in an emergency. This marking can normally be found where slip roads leave and join motorways and dual carriageways.

Directional Arrow: If there is an arrow marked on the road, then, if your route follows that direction you must get in the correct lane with the corresponding arrow.

Double White lines

If you see a double white line then you are forbidden to overtake. These lines are usually placed where visibility is restricted, such as blind bends and hidden dips. Double continuous lines can also be seen on other single carriageway roads that have two lanes in at least one direction. You are forbidden to cross or straddle a continuous white line if it is closest to the direction that you are travelling in. However there are exceptions to cross a continuous white line. You can cross it if you are turning into or out of a side road or property or if you have to avoid a stationary vehicle, which is blocking your side of the road. Other exceptions include overtaking a pedal cycle, a horse or road works vehicle that is moving at less than 10mph but only if it is safe to do so.