Road markings and what they mean for you as the driver.

Road markings aim to improve traffic flow by marking off the travel lanes, or shoulders, of the road. It is also used to mark off the shoulders of the road and to help drivers determine the side of the road to drive on.

In addition, the use of road markings is a safety tool that can save motorists from becoming lost along the way. Here are some more common road markings and what they mean.

    • Box Junction – Most drivers know what a traffic light is, but not all are familiar with the meaning of a traffic light. Traffic lights are often referred to as “T” boxes because of their shape. A traffic light is a device that projects an icon on the road, much like a stop sign. Once the icon is finished glowing, other colours may be added to indicate the direction of the lane that it is to take, including green, yellow, or red. For example, green means that the driver will have three seconds to stop before the next light, while red means that the driver must stop immediately.
    • Yellow Line – This is another common symbol used for traffic signs. Yellow is the colour that represents the slowest speed limit, typically thirty-one miles per hour. On busy roads, it is also the standard speed limit for vehicles pulling into or from curves. Once the yellow line begins to flash, the driver will need to change lanes. However, if changing lanes would cause an accident, changing lanes while the yellow line is still lit is not legal.

  • Horizontal Solid Lines – A solid line runs across the lane’s width, indicating that a lane is changed. It does not imply that a lane is moving or that a traffic light is changing. It simply changes how traffic travels when the vehicle is in a particular direction. These are also used on freeways and expressways to indicate the direction of travel.
  • Vertical Solid Lines – This type of marking is often confusing. Sometimes people refer to these as solid white lines, but they mean something else entirely. When travel direction changes, the vertical lines will also change to match the new direction. For example, if a driver is approaching an intersection from the right side and needs to turn left, a new vertical line will be placed so that the driver can make sure that the turn will be legal.
  • Curved Lines – The curved lines on the road’s edges may be very attractive, but they do have their problems. Some people confuse the purpose behind these lines with the meaning behind the arrow on the traffic sign. Arrow drivers are simply trying to direct cars to a straight line. On the other hand, the lines are designed to help drivers find their way around traffic.
  • Diagonal/angles – Although some people view them as numbers like the ones you see on railway crossing signs, these are designed to help people find their way during heavy traffic. For example, as you approach an intersection, some drivers may not notice the lines in the road markings. However, as they reach the end of the road, they will suddenly see the number or symbol representing the lane they should be in. This helps them avoid making the wrong turn and ending up in an accident.