Road Markings

Road markings give drivers, riders and pedestrians essential information directly on the road surface, such as lane positions, priority, parking rules and where you must not stop. This page explains what these road markings mean, how to recognise them quickly, and links to every individual marking in this category so you can revise them for your car theory test, motorcycle theory test, HGV / LGV theory test, PCV theory test, or ADI Part 1 theory test.

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What are road markings?

Road markings are part of the UK road and traffic sign system used to give drivers and riders clear, helpful details about lane positions, junction priorities, parking, crossings and where you must not stop. They help you understand which lane to use, when you can overtake, where you must give way and when restrictions start or end, so you can plan your journey safely and confidently.

You'll usually see:

  • Centre lines and edge lines showing the middle and edges of the road and whether overtaking is allowed.
  • Give way and stop lines at junctions, roundabouts and crossings to show where you must stop or give priority.
  • Yellow zig-zags, box junctions and hatched areas indicating places where stopping or waiting is restricted or prohibited.
  • Lane arrows and wording such as 'BUS LANE', 'SLOW' or directional arrows to guide you into the correct lane.

Understanding these road markings is essential if you regularly drive on unfamiliar roads, in busy towns and cities or near schools and junctions - and they can all appear in your DVSA driving theory test and hazard perception test.

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Essential road markings you need to know for the DVSA theory test

The DVSA driving theory test can include questions about road markings.

When you revise with Driving Theory 4 All, you'll see these road markings along with DVSA revision questions, hazard perception practice clips, and unlimited mock theory tests.

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Use this section to quickly find common road markings in the UK road and traffic sign system. Select a road marking to open its dedicated page.

Alternative edge of carriageway road marking

Lane Road markings
View alternative edge of carriageway road marking

Appropriate traffic lanes for particular destinations road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View appropriate traffic lanes for particular destinations road marking

Area of carriageway to be kept clear of stationary traffic road marking

Keep clear Road markings
View area of carriageway to be kept clear of stationary traffic road marking

Centre line on a single carriageway road marking

Lane Road markings
View centre line on a single carriageway road marking

Compulsory to go straight ahead only at junction road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View compulsory to go straight ahead only at junction road marking

Compulsory to turn left at junction ahead road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View compulsory to turn left at junction ahead road marking

Compulsory to turn right at junction ahead road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View compulsory to turn right at junction ahead road marking

Continuous double white lines road marking

Lane Road markings
View continuous double white lines road marking

Direction in which pedestrians should look before crossing the road marking

Pedestrian crossing Road markings
View direction in which pedestrians should look before crossing the road marking

Direction to be taken by traffic turning within a junction road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View direction to be taken by traffic turning within a junction road marking

Do not cross a continuous white line to enter a hatched area road marking

Lane Road markings
View do not cross a continuous white line to enter a hatched area road marking

Edge of carriageway road marking

Lane Road markings
View edge of carriageway road marking

Edge of main carriageway at a junction road marking

Lane Road markings
View edge of main carriageway at a junction road marking

Edge of main carriageway at a junction or at an exit from a private drive road marking

Lane Road markings
View edge of main carriageway at a junction or at an exit from a private drive road marking

Go straight ahead at junction road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View go straight ahead at junction road marking

Hazard warning line road marking

Lane Road markings
View hazard warning line road marking

Indicates the direction in which to pass hatched markings and double white lines road marking

Lane Road markings
View indicates the direction in which to pass hatched markings and double white lines road marking

Lane line separating traffic travelling in the same direction road marking

Lane Road markings
View lane line separating traffic travelling in the same direction road marking

Loose chippings road marking

Triangular Road surface Road markings
View loose chippings road marking

Reduction in the number of lanes, or area not available to traffic road marking

Lane Road markings
View reduction in the number of lanes, or area not available to traffic road marking

Separate opposing flows of traffic road marking

Lane Road markings
View separate opposing flows of traffic road marking

Slow down due to a hazard road marking

Speed Road markings
View slow down due to a hazard road marking

Traffic passes in the same direction on either side (must not enter the area except in an emergency) road marking

Lane Road markings
View traffic passes in the same direction on either side (must not enter the area except in an emergency) road marking

Traffic passes in the same direction on either side (should not enter the area unless safe to do so) road marking

Lane Road markings
View traffic passes in the same direction on either side (should not enter the area unless safe to do so) road marking

Turn left at junction ahead road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View turn left at junction ahead road marking

Turn left or go straight ahead at junction road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View turn left or go straight ahead at junction road marking

Turn left or right at junction ahead road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View turn left or right at junction ahead road marking

Turn right at junction ahead road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View turn right at junction ahead road marking

Turn right or go straight ahead at junction road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View turn right or go straight ahead at junction road marking

Vehicles must not pass this road marking

Direction of traffic Road markings
View vehicles must not pass this road marking

Yellow box junction road marking

Keep clear Road markings
View yellow box junction road marking

You can cross double white lines to overtake if the line closest to you is broken and it is safe to do so road marking

Lane Road markings
View you can cross double white lines to overtake if the line closest to you is broken and it is safe to do so road marking

View our full UK road signs directory

Previous: Regulatory SignsNext: Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations

Source: Department for Transport - Know Your Traffic Signs. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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