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Lane Markings: Whenever you move on the road by bike, car or bus, you must have seen white and yellow lines in the middle or on the side of the road. Most people ignore them considering them to be just part of the road. But in reality these lines are the language of traffic rules. Their purpose is not only to make the road look beautiful, but also to prevent accidents, keep the traffic flowing smoothly and give right direction to the drivers. If every driver understands the meaning of these lines, then road accidents can be avoided. Let us know what the white and yellow lines on the road tell.

Why are lines made on the road?

The lines drawn on the road are called Road Markings. What is the function of these lines...

• lane setting
• explain the rules of overtake
• explaining the direction of the road
• Giving information about turning points and dangerous places
• Making traffic safe and smooth

Meaning these lines show the way to the driver without saying anything.

What does the white line mean?

The white line is usually made to separate lanes running in the same direction.

1) Broken White Line

If the white line on the road is broken in between, it means that the lane can be changed if needed, but with full caution. For example, if the vehicle moving ahead is slow and the road is clear, then you can change the lane by following the rules.

2) Solid White Line

If the white line is continuous without breaking, it means avoid changing lanes. Such lines are often drawn on bridges, intersections, turns or busy roads.

What does the yellow line mean?

Yellow line is usually made to separate the traffic coming from the opposite direction.

1) Single Solid Yellow Line

This means overtaking is not considered safe. At such places, there may be danger from vehicles coming from the front.

2) Two continuous yellow lines (Double Solid Yellow Line)

If there are 2 continuous yellow lines in the middle of the road, it means overtaking or crossing the lane from any direction is prohibited. This rule is specially made to prevent accidents.

3) Broken Yellow Line

At some places, a broken yellow line means that overtaking can be done with caution in special conditions, but local traffic rules and signs should always be followed.

Why is there a white line on the side of the road?

The white line made on the side of the road is called Edge Line. It tells how far the road is. This line helps the driver to identify the boundary of the road during night, rain or fog.

Why do zebra crossings have white stripes?

The wide white stripes on the road are called zebra crossings. This is a safe place for pedestrians to cross the road. For example, if a person is crossing the road at a zebra crossing at a traffic signal, then the driver should let him go first.

Why is it important to follow these lines?

If the driver ignores the road lines, then-

• There may be a head-on collision.
• Wrong overtaking can lead to an accident.
• Traffic jam may increase.
• There may also be legal action or challan.

This is the reason why information about road markings is also asked in the driving test.

Meaning of Road Traffic Signs

Road traffic signs are installed on roads and highways to inform drivers about safe driving, directions, dangers and traffic rules. In India, these signs are mainly made as per the standards of Indian Road Congress (IRC) and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

1) Warning Signs

These are usually triangle shaped with a red border. These mean there is some danger or change ahead.

2) Mandatory/Regulatory Signs

These are mostly red circle or blue round signs. It is legally necessary to follow them.

3) Informative Signs

These are usually blue or green in color.

4) Special signs visible on the highway

5) Meaning of lines on the road

10 signs whose meaning very few people know

easy trick to remember

🔺Triangle: Beware of danger

⭕ Circle: Rules or restrictions

🔵 Blue: Feature or information

🟩 Green: Highway and direction

⬜ White board: local information or directions