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Road markingsUnited Kingdom

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United Kingdom. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United Kingdom

41. Road markings

Road markings are lines, symbols, arrows, words or other markings applied to the road surface to regulate, guide or inform road users. They can separate traffic lanes and opposing directions, indicate where vehicles must stop or give way, mark pedestrian and cyclist crossings and identify areas reserved for particular road users.

Road users should observe the meaning of each road marking and combine it with the applicable traffic signs, signals and traffic rules. Colours, patterns and legal meanings can differ between countries.

Road markings
Give-way road markings at the junction of Park Road and Monkton Street. (Ryde, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • Arriva436 • CC BY
Which road markings are important to recognise in the United Kingdom?

In Great Britain, recognise white centre, stop and give-way lines, lane arrows and yellow box junctions. Yellow lines along the carriageway edge indicate waiting restrictions; yellow marks on the kerb indicate loading restrictions. Read the associated signs and operating times.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 127–132; Rules 174,178; waiting/loading marks

🔗 gov.uk • DfT: waiting restrictions and loading marks

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: road markings (Great Britain)

May drivers cross a solid road line in the United Kingdom?

In Great Britain, do not cross or straddle double white lines where the line nearest you is solid, unless a permitted exception applies. These include entering adjoining premises or a side road, passing a stationary obstruction, or overtaking a cycle, horse or road-maintenance vehicle travelling at no more than 10 mph, when safe. Other continuous markings have their own rules.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 127–132; Rules 174,178; waiting/loading marks

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: road markings (Great Britain)

Can painted arrows or stop lines be ignored when signs are not obvious in the United Kingdom?

No. UK stop lines, lane arrows and box-junction markings have specific meanings. Read the marking with the traffic signals and signs; for example, entering a yellow box when your exit is blocked is restricted, subject to the legal turning exception.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 127–132; Rules 174,178; waiting/loading marks

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: road markings (Great Britain)

1 United Kingdom 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bike path 5 Pedestrian warning 6 Bridge 7 Speed bump 8 Toll road 9 One-way traffic 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Road narrowing 19 Priority over oncoming traffic 20 Give way to oncoming traffic 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Crossing animals 27 Slippery road 28 Rockfall 29 Aircraft 30 Curve 31 Chevron 32 Wrong-way driving 33 Roadworks 34 Height limit 35 Radar speed sign 36 Selective barriers 37 Low-emission zone 38 Priority at the next junction 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Road markings 42 Climbing lane 43 Bike box 44 Left-hand traffic 45 Speed feedback 46 Driving licence 47 Cycling route 48 Parking 49 No parking 50 Park and ride 51 Disabled parking 52 Reversing 53 Detour 54 Road surface 55 Verge 56 Traffic calming 57 Horse riding 58 Emergency exit 59 City limit 60 Tourist attraction 61 Licence plate 62 Charging station 63 Dangers 64 Dip 65 Tram lane 66 Cyclist 67 Bus 68 Police 69 Ambulance 70 Roadway 71 Street 72 Pothole 73 Private road 74 Path 75 Particulates 76 Air pollution 77 Rush hour 78 Road code 79 Two-way traffic 80 Tram stop 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 Passenger 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Public transport 98 Caravan 99 Trailer 100 Tow hitch ...