PAVEMENT MARKING

Introduction
• Like signs and signals, designed to move
traffic safely, rapidly, and efficiently.
• Should communicate a simple, clear
message for all highway users.
• Pavement markings such as solid yellow
lines and painted symbols are used to
divide lanes, as well as indicate when it’s
legal to pass, safe for changing lanes,
turn, and when you have to stop.
 Types of Road Markings
Different types of road markings and their
meanings.
• White Lines
• Yellow Lines
• Edge Lines
• Arrows
• Reversible Lanes
• HOV-Lanes
White Lines
 White lines
White lines separate traffic traveling in the
same direction.
There are three types of white lines-
• single broken,
• single solid, and
• double solid.
 Single Broken White Lines

You may cross single broken white

lines to change lanes when safe.
 Single Solid White Lines

• You must not cross single solid white

lines unless to avoid a hazard. Many
drivers fail to obey this at traffic light
intersections, which creates a
dangerous situation for everyone.
 Double Solid White Lines

• You must not cross double solid white

lines for any reason as they indicate a
barrier
 Yellow Road Lines

• Yellow lines separate traffic traveling

in opposite directions.
 Color has meaning!
• Generally, yellow traffic markings are used
to separate traffic traveling in opposite
directions. White lines are for marking
sides of roadways, crosswalks, warnings
and to separate traffic traveling in the
same direction.
 Broken Yellow Line

• You may, if safe, cross broken yellow lines

to pass a vehicle in front. Make sure that
the road ahead is clear before passing
 Solid Yellow Line

• A solid yellow line indicates that passing is

prohibited. Don’t cross a solid yellow line
to pass another vehicle
Solid Yellow Line Alongside a
Broken Yellow Line

Depending on which side you are on, you may or may not
be allowed to pass. If you are traveling on the right of
the broken yellow line, you are allowed to cross the lines
to pass vehicles, if safe.
•If you are traveling on the side of the solid yellow
line, you must not pass
 Double Solid Yellow Lines

Double solid yellow lines indicate no passing from

either lane. Don’t drive to the left of double solid
yellow lines except if:
• Turning left to enter/leave a road
• Your lane is blocked or closed and signs indicate
you must drive on the other side of the lines
• Traveling in an HOV lane with a designated
entrance to the left of the lines
 Edge Lines

Edge lines are solid pavement lines along the side of the
road. They indicate where the lane ends and where the road
shoulder begins. There are two types of edge lines:
•A solid white edge line – indicates the right edge of the
pavement
•A solid yellow edge line – indicates the left edge of the
pavement on divided highways and one-way streets
Road Arrows

If marked arrows exist, you must only drive in the direction

indicated by the arrows.
Arrows may have more than one direction:
•one direction – only drive in the designated direction
•two directions – you may drive in either direction
Place yourself in the correct lane well in advance of an arrow
so you don’t have to make last-minute lane changes.
 Reversible
Lanes

Reversible traffic lanes improve traffic flow during the busiest

time
Reversible traffic lanes exist on some highways to improve
traffic flow during rush hours. Reversible lanes are marked
by traffic signs, pavement markings, and lane signals.
Generally, a reversible lane will be open in one direction
during the morning commute, and in the other direction in the
afternoon.
Diamond Symbols
/ HOV Lanes

Road markings for HOV lanes are marked on the

road as a diamond symbol
Diamond symbols are used to indicate special
purpose lanes, such as lanes reserved for High
Occupancy Vehicles (HOV). Unless you comply
with the requirements of the HOV lane, you must
not drive in a lane with diamond pavement
symbols.
 HOV lanes
• HOV lanes are restricted traffic lanes where only
vehicles with a certain number of occupants
(usually 2 or more) are allowed to use. Some
vehicles like buses, motorcycles, and low-
emission vehicles are exceptions to the rule and
can use the HOV lanes at any time.
• There may also be restrictions at certain
times of the day and day of the week. Some
states allow eligible energy-efficient vehicles to
drive any time of the day bypassing the HOV
lane restrictions. Follow the HOV lane rules!
Enter and exit only at designated points.
• HOV lanes (High Occupancy Vehicles) are
used in large cities to encourage car
pooling. Generally they are the left lane(s)
marked with a white diamond and require
at least two or three occupants.
 Left turn lanes

• Yellow is two way traffic

• In one lane!
 Left Turn Lanes
• Left turn lanes are usually yellow lines showing
two-way traffic, and are used for
exiting traffic.
• At intersections, the left side of the lane may be
double yellow while the right side is broken
white. This means that this lane is one way for
crossing the white lines.
• At no time is a driver supposed to pull into this
left turn lane to enter the traffic flow or to pass
another vehicle.
School buses and the left turn lane.
• On a five lane street with a left turn lane,
you do not have to stop for the school bus
on the opposite which is stopped and
unloading children.
• The left turn lane is defined as a physical
barrier.
• The bus is NOT allowed to discharge
children which would have to cross the five
lanes.
 Lane choice
• Drivers should choose a traffic lane with
fewest conflicts.
• Traveling in the right
hand lane is a courtesy in NC unless
passing or turning left.
• In heavy traffic either lane is legal.
 crosswalks
• White crosswalks are marked in several
different ways.
• Who yields right of way depends on traffic
lights and the type of marking. Standard
crosswalks with two lines, depend on
streets and lights. Bold markings are used
for increased visibility.
• Zebra markings are to tell drivers to yield.
Pedestrians are still required to
obey traffic lights!
 Handicapped
• Blue pavement markings are used for
handicapped parking.
 Entrance/exit ramps
• There are many types of interchanges
used in traffic.
• The cloverleaf, the trumpet, the weave.
• The biggest problems come from non-
traditional exchange. A left exit from a
freeway for example. Or going right off the
freeway to go left.
• Be ready for the unusual.
 This double white line has the
same restriction as a double yellow
line. Then what is the difference?
What’s the deal here?
 Pavement Markings
White Lines
One-way traffic
Broken - pass with caution

Traffic Flow

Traffic Flow

Stop line

Left turn only - arrow

No passing - solid line

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 Pavement Markings

Triangles painted on the

pavement show that you
must yield

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Pavement Markings
Arrows Indicate the Flow of Traffic

This lane may continue

straight or turn left

This lane must turn

left

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 Testing Your Knowledge

1. When approaching this

pavement marking

a. stop
b. yield
c. proceed with caution

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 Testing Your Knowledge

2. If you are driving in this

lane, you must

a. turn left
b. turn right

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 Testing Your Knowledge

3. This roadway is

a. one way – no passing

b. one way – passing
allowed
c. two way – passing
allowed

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