Pavement markings

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. Passing safely is permitted across single solid yellow lines within an urban area. In all other instances, single or double solid yellow lines indicate that passing is not permitted. Broken yellow lines indicate that passing is permitted. Be sure that the lane is clear and the pass can be completed safely. A solid yellow line and a broken yellow line together indicate that a pass is permitted for the driver who has the broken line on their 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 white lines indicate that lane changing is not permitted. 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. 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.