Your Guide to UK Road Markings 

Whether you’re a learner driver or you’re an old hand at driving and just want to refresh your memory, it’s important that all UK motorists understand road markings thoroughly. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common UK road markings you’ll see on the average journey – and take you through exactly what they mean. 

Common UK road markings and what they mean 

Stop line

A thick, white horizontal line is known as a stop line and is usually placed just before a set of traffic lights or a red stop sign. If traffic lights are red or changing to red, it’s important to stop just before this stop line and make sure you don’t roll into the cycle box past the stop line. If the line is present at a stop sign, this is a signal to briefly halt and give way before continuing to drive. 

Lane divider lines 

Short, broken white lines, or land divider lines, run up the centre of the road and are there to divide the two lanes of traffic. 

Hazard warning lines 

These lines are telling you about a hazard that may not be too obvious. They look similar to lane divider lines, but the broken white lines are longer when compared to lane divider lines. 

Double white lines

Seen in the middle of the road, there are a few variations of the double white lines. If both lines are solid, then cars on either side of the road are permitted to overtake. If just one line is solid and one is broken, then only the cars on the side of the road with the broken line are permitted to overtake. The only exception to overtaking on a solid white line is if you have to overtake a stationary vehicle, a horse or a bike. 

Single yellow line

If a single yellow line is present at the edge of a road, it means that you are allowed to wait but only at the permitted times, so look around to read the nearest sign for further instruction. 

Double yellow lines 

If a double yellow line is present, then under no circumstances are you allowed to wait in this area. 

Diagonal stripes 

If a road is divided by two broken white lines with white diagonal stripes in the centre of the two parallel lines, then this tells you that you can enter it and turn right but only if necessary. If these hatched markings are boarded by solid lines, then you are only permitted to enter them in emergencies. 

Double broken white lines 

Commonly found at junctions on major roads or sometimes at roundabouts, chunky double broken white lines are a signal to give way, though it is not necessary to always stop at these lines if it’s safe for you to continue onwards. 

Give way warning 

What looks like a large, upside-down white triangle is a warning of give-way lines coming up ahead. 

Searching for a knowledgeable road lining contractor who operates throughout the UK? Here at Landmark Road Lining, we are CHAS accredited  road marking specialists who carry out projects for customers across the country. Using specialist equipment and materials, we’ll install high-quality markings anywhere from public/private roads to car parks. Simply get in touch to learn more.