The official Highway Code

Road markings

Road markings used, including those across the carriageway, along the carriageway, along the edge of the carriageway, on the kerb or at the edge of the carriageway and other road markings.

4.7 · 2,573 reviews 800,000+ learners ✓ Trading Standards
Studied this chapter?

Book your DVSA theory test with unlimited re-sits* and complete theory test prep in one place.

Book my theory test now

Across the carriageway

Stop line at signals or police control

Stop line at signals or police control

Stop line at β€˜Stop’ sign

Stop line at β€˜Stop’ sign

Stop line for pedestrians at a level crossing

Stop line for pedestrians at a level crossing

Give way to traffic on major road (can also be used at mini roundabouts)

Give way to traffic on major road (can also be used at mini roundabouts)

Give way to traffic from the right at a roundabout

Give way to traffic from the right at a roundabout

Give way to traffic from the right at a mini-roundabout

Give way to traffic from the right at a mini-roundabout

Along the carriageway

Edge line

Edge line

Centre line See Rule 127

Centre line See Rule 127

Hazard warning line See Rule 127

Hazard warning line See Rule 127

Double white lines See Rules 128 and 129

Double white lines See Rules 128 and 129

Double white lines See Rules 128 and 129

Double white lines See Rules 128 and 129

See Rule 130

See Rule 130

Lane line See Rule 131

Lane line See Rule 131

Along the edge of the carriageway

Waiting restrictions indicated by yellow lines apply to the carriageway, pavement and verge. You may stop to load or unload (unless there are also loading restrictions as described below) or while passengers board or alight. Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless there are signs that specifically indicate seasonal restrictions. The times at which the restrictions apply for other road markings are shown on nearby plates or on entry signs to controlled parking zones. If no days are shown on the signs, the restrictions are in force every day including Sundays and Bank Holidays.White bay markings and upright signs (see below) indicate where parking is allowed.

No waiting at any time

No waiting at any time

No waiting during times shown on sign

No waiting during times shown on sign

Waiting is limited to the duration specified during the days and times shown

Waiting is limited to the duration specified during the days and times shown

Red lines are used on some roads instead of yellow lines. The double and single red lines used on Red Routes indicate that stopping to park, load/unload or to board and alight from a vehicle (except for a licensed taxi or if you hold a Blue Badge) is prohibited. The red lines apply to the carriageway, pavement and verge. The times that the red line prohibitions apply are shown on nearby signs, but the double red line ALWAYS means no stopping at any time. On Red Routes you may stop to park, load/unload in specially marked boxes and adjacent signs specify the times and purposes and duration allowed. A box MARKED IN RED indicates that it may only be available for the purpose specified for part of the day (eg between busy peak periods). A box MARKED IN WHITE means that it is available throughout the day.

RED AND SINGLE YELLOW LINES CAN ONLY GIVE A GUIDE TO THE RESTRICTIONS AND CONTROLS IN FORCE AND SIGNS, NEARBY OR AT A ZONE ENTRY, MUST BE CONSULTED.

No stopping at any time

No stopping at any time

No stopping during times shown on sign

No stopping during times shown on sign

Parking is limited to the duration specified during the days and times shown

Parking is limited to the duration specified during the days and times shown

Only loading may take place at the times shown for up to a maximum duration of 20 mins

Only loading may take place at the times shown for up to a maximum duration of 20 mins

On the kerb or at the edge of the carriageway

Yellow marks on the kerb or at the edge of the carriageway indicate that loading or unloading is prohibited at the times shown on the nearby black and white plates. You may stop while passengers board or alight. If no days are indicated on the signs the restrictions are in force every day including Sundays and Bank Holidays.

ALWAYS CHECK THE TIMES SHOWN ON THE PLATES.

Lengths of road reserved for vehicles loading and unloading are indicated by a white β€˜bay’ marking with the words β€˜Loading Only’ and a sign with the white on blue β€˜trolley’ symbol. This sign also shows whether loading and unloading is restricted to goods vehicles and the times at which the bay can be used. If no times or days are shown it may be used at any time. Vehicles may not park here if they are not loading or unloading.

No loading or unloading at any time

No loading or unloading at any time

No loading or unloading at the times shown

No loading or unloading at the times shown

Loading bay

Loading bay

Other road markings

Keep entrance clear of stationary vehicles, even if picking up or setting down children

Keep entrance clear of stationary vehicles, even if picking up or setting down children

Warning of β€˜Give Way’ just ahead

Warning of β€˜Give Way’ just ahead

Parking space reserved for vehicles named

Parking space reserved for vehicles named

See Rule 243

See Rule 243

See Rule 141

See Rule 141

Box junction - See Rule 174

Box junction - See Rule 174

Do not block that part of the carriageway indicated

Do not block that part of the carriageway indicated

Indication of traffic lanes

Indication of traffic lanes

Industry leading reviews from 2573 verified buyers...

Keep up to date with us on social media...

Preparing for the DVSA motorcycle theory test? 🚦🏍️ Try our FREE motorcycle practice theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/RG1tofZtz0
3 days ago
πŸš— Ready to pass your UK driving theory test? Practise with realistic questions, build your confidence, and get fully prepared for test day with Driving Theory 4 All. Start practising today πŸ‘‰ https://t.co/jlI1c9IM4i #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpractice #cardrivingtest
4 days ago
Want to sample the most up-to-date DVSA practice driving theory test questions and answers before you sit your UK DVSA driving theory test? Get your free theory test practice here πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/67K9g2c8o5 #theorytestpractice #cartheorytest #theorytest #drivingtest
6 days ago
Is your driving theory test coming up soon? πŸ‘€ The best way to prepare is by taking practice theory tests, especially if your test date is close. πŸŽ“ We’ve got free practice tests ready for you. Try one now. πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/pOORgktQtG #theorytestpractice #cartheorytest
1 week ago
How long is a theory test valid? πŸ€·β€β™€οΈπŸ€·β€β™‚οΈ Our handy article below will help you understand everything you need to about your driving theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/A9ix1I8SNf https://t.co/GARLXOi1uG
1 week ago
Which colour follows the green signal at a puffin crossing? πŸš¦πŸš— Find out now along with everything you need to know about puffin crossings πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/HSqCXTdB4b #puffincrossing #theorytest #drivingtheorytest #booktheorytest https://t.co/jFq6xlnNzj
1 week ago
πŸš— Revising for your theory test? Use our FREE theory test practice resources to test your knowledge and build confidence. πŸ‘‰ https://t.co/66v9hVuK0d #theorytest #theorytestpractice
1 week ago
Looking for theory test revision? πŸš—πŸš›πŸοΈπŸšŒ Get started with Driving Theory 4 All by taking a free mock theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/7il2jIpX4r #theorytest #mocktheorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/xy4U02578A
1 week ago
Looking to take your car driving theory test soon? πŸ‘€ Try a free DVSA practice theory test so see how prepared you are πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/pOORgktQtG #drivingtheorytest #cartheorytest #theorytest #practicetheorytest
1 week ago
Want to try some FREE mock theory tests to get ready to pass your DVSA theory test in 2026? πŸ‘€ Whether you're taking your car theory test or your ADI Part 1 theory test we've got you covered! πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/7il2jIpX4r https://t.co/c4Z0Lc6hGa
1 week ago
Learning to drive? πŸš— Don’t forget the Highway Code! It’s essential for becoming a safe, confident driver and will help you prepare for your driving theory test and make safer decisions on the road. πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/cw9v6M6xwS #theorytest #cartheorytest
2 weeks ago
Learning to drive is exciting for everyone, but what age can you start driving in the UK? πŸ€·β€β™‚οΈ This article explains what you need to do and how old you need to be to start driving in the UK πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/SQM1vN26iB #drivingtheorytest #drivingtheory4all #cartheorytest https://t.co/nlXOgpMjT1
2 weeks ago
Where should you avoid overtaking? πŸ›£οΈπŸš— Answer this DVSA revision theory test question now πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/xwZ7u1ygb4 #theorytest #practicetheorytest #theorytestpractice #dvsatheorytest https://t.co/vu5YDFRVDK
2 weeks ago
Getting ready to take your car theory test? πŸš— Make sure you feel confident before the big day with some extra theory test practice πŸ‘€ Our free practice theory test is a simple way to test your knowledge, and see which areas you might need to revise πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/pOORgktQtG
2 weeks ago
Do you know the UK speed limits? πŸš— Single carriageways = 60 mph and dual carriageways and motorways = 70 mph πŸ›€οΈ Find out everything you need to know πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/Dq7Fqfqy2f https://t.co/Iijurndj6G
2 weeks ago
How ready are you for the car theory test? πŸš—πŸ“ Take a free 50-question DVSA-style mock theory test, get instant feedback and compare your score with the real pass mark. Try it here πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/rvl4V1Xkt2 #cartheorytest #mocktheorytest
2 weeks ago
Theory test question 🚨 What type of emergency vehicle is fitted with a green flashing beacon? Do you know the answer? Test yourself before revealing the explanation πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/hGxShF6n9g #theorytest #theorytestpractice
3 weeks ago
Preparing for your PCV theory test? 🚌 Try a free 100-question PCV mock theory test with instant feedback and explanations, then compare your score with the 85/100 pass mark. Start the test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/AxWuuty8Xi #PCV #theorytest
3 weeks ago
Can you recognise the roundabout warning sign? πŸ”ΊπŸš— It’s one of the UK road signs you may need to identify in your DVSA theory test. Take a closer look πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/gJECMDwU45
3 weeks ago
Can you recognise the roundabout warning sign? πŸ”ΊπŸš— It’s one of the UK road signs you may need to identify in your DVSA theory test. Take a closer look πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/gJECMDwU45 #roadsigns #theorytest
3 weeks ago