Markings on the roadway can provide the following information:

  • lane identification separating opposing traffic
  • traffic movement in the same direction
  • traffic movement in the opposite direction
  • passing zones and no passing zones
  • lane use and designation
  • pedestrian crosswalks
  • stop lines
  • parking areas
  • word or symbol messages

In some cases pavement markings are used along with other traffic control signs or signals.

Lane markings

Lane markings can be yellow or white, single or double, solid or broken. These lines provide important information about direction of traffic flow, lane changing, lane restrictions and passing.

Solid line markings

Solid lines mean that crossing the solid line to pass or change lanes is not permitted.

Broken line markings

Broken lines mean that crossing the broken line to pass or change lanes is permitted.

Yellow line markings

Yellow lines mean that vehicles on each side of the yellow line must travel in opposite directions. A yellow line should always be on the driver's left side.

Solid yellow lines
Solid yellow lines, single or double, indicate that passing is not permitted.

 

Broken yellow lines
Broken yellow lines indicate that passing is permitted. Be sure that the lane is clear and the pass can be completed safely.

 

Solid yellow line broken and together
A solid and broken yellow line together indicate that passing is permitted for the driver who has the broken line on his or her side of the roadway. Passing is not permitted for the driver with the solid yellow line on their side of the roadway.

White line markings

White lines mean that vehicles on each side of the white line are travelling in the same direction.

 

Solid and broken white lines
Solid and broken white lines mean vehicles travel in the same direction

 

Solid white lines
Solid white lines indicate that lane changing is not permitted.

 

Broken white lines
Broken white lines indicate that lane changing is permitted.

Symbols

Symbols may be used on the pavement to supplement standard signs or by themselves to warn drivers, or to regulate or guide traffic. These markings include:

Arrows

Arrows indicate the vehicle movements permitted in a lane.

Arrows in a two way left turn lane
On a two way left turn lane, the centre lane of the road is shared and reserved for left turning traffic travelling in either direction.

Diamond markings

Diamond markings indicate that a lane is reserved for specific vehicles. There may also be signs that will indicate time or vehicle restrictions.

Diamond markings indicate reserved lanes.
Diamond markings indicate reserved lanes.