Road markings
Road markings used, including those across the carriageway, along the carriageway, along the edge of the carriageway, on the kerb or at the edge of the carriageway and other road markings.
Across the carriageway
Stop line at signals or police control
Stop line at ‘Stop’ sign
Stop line for pedestrians at a level crossing
Give way to traffic on major road (can also be used at mini roundabouts)
Give way to traffic from the right at a roundabout
Give way to traffic from the right at a mini-roundabout
Along the carriageway
Edge line
Centre line See Rule 127
Hazard warning line See Rule 127
Double white lines See Rules 128 and 129
Double white lines See Rules 128 and 129
See Rule 130
Lane line See Rule 131
Along the edge of the carriageway
Waiting restrictions
Waiting restrictions indicated by yellow lines apply to the carriageway, pavement and verge. You may stop to load or unload (unless there are also loading restrictions as described below) or while passengers board or alight. Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless there are signs that specifically indicate seasonal restrictions. The times at which the restrictions apply for other road markings are shown on nearby plates or on entry signs to controlled parking zones. If no days are shown on the signs, the restrictions are in force every day including Sundays and Bank Holidays. White bay markings and upright signs (see below) indicate where parking is allowed.
No waiting at any time
No waiting during times shown on sign
Waiting is limited to the duration specified during the days and times shown
Red Route stopping controls
Red lines are used on some roads instead of yellow lines. In London the double and single red lines used on Red Routes indicate that stopping to park, load/unload or to board and alight from a vehicle (except for a licensed taxi or if you hold a Blue Badge) is prohibited. The red lines apply to the carriageway, pavement and verge. The times that the red line prohibitions apply are shown on nearby signs, but the double red line ALWAYS means no stopping at any time. On Red Routes you may stop to park, load/unload in specially marked boxes and adjacent signs specify the times and purposes and duration allowed. A box MARKED IN RED indicates that it may only be available for the purpose specified for part of the day (eg between busy peak periods). A box MARKED IN WHITE means that it is available throughout the day.
RED AND SINGLE YELLOW LINES CAN ONLY GIVE A GUIDE TO THE RESTRICTIONS AND CONTROLS IN FORCE AND SIGNS, NEARBY OR AT A ZONE ENTRY, MUST BE CONSULTED.
No stopping at any time
No stopping during times shown on sign
Parking is limited to the duration specified during the days and times shown
Only loading may take place at the times shown for up to a maximum duration of 20 mins
On the kerb or at the edge of the carriageway
Loading restrictions on roads other than Red Routes
Yellow marks on the kerb or at the edge of the carriageway indicate that loading or unloading is prohibited at the times shown on the nearby black and white plates. You may stop while passengers board or alight. If no days are indicated on the signs the restrictions are in force every day including Sundays and Bank Holidays.
ALWAYS CHECK THE TIMES SHOWN ON THE PLATES.
Lengths of road reserved for vehicles loading and unloading are indicated by a white ‘bay’ marking with the words ‘Loading Only’ and a sign with the white on blue ‘trolley’ symbol. This sign also shows whether loading and unloading is restricted to goods vehicles and the times at which the bay can be used. If no times or days are shown it may be used at any time. Vehicles may not park here if they are not loading or unloading.
No loading or unloading at any time
No loading or unloading at the times shown
Loading bay
Other road markings
Keep entrance clear of stationary vehicles, even if picking up or setting down children
Warning of ‘Give Way’ just ahead
Parking space reserved for vehicles named
See Rule 243
See Rule 141
Box junction - See Rule 174
Do not block that part of the carriageway indicated
Indication of traffic lanes
Road Markings UK: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
Road markings control stopping, waiting, parking, loading, lane use and priority. The most important Theory Test skill is recognising what the marking means and checking any nearby signs or plates.
Know why you are stopping
A stop line can be used with traffic signals, police control, a STOP sign or a pedestrian level crossing. The associated sign or signal tells you why the stop is required.
Read the direction of priority
Give-way markings can require you to give way to traffic on a major road or to traffic from the right at a roundabout or mini-roundabout.
Know what the line controls
Centre lines separate opposing traffic, while lane lines separate lanes moving in the same direction. Their pattern and position affect how you should use the road.
Treat it as advance warning
A hazard warning line alerts you to a hazard ahead. Reduce speed and be prepared for the road situation that the marking is warning you about.
Check which side is solid
Double white lines have different implications depending on whether the line nearest you is solid or broken. This is a common Theory Test distinction.
Waiting restrictions
Yellow lines indicate waiting restrictions. Double yellow lines generally mean no waiting at any time, while other restrictions depend on the times shown on nearby signs or zone-entry information.
Check signs with yellow lines
Do not rely on the line alone when restrictions are time-dependent. Check nearby plates or controlled-zone entry signs for the times and conditions that apply.
Red lines control stopping
Red lines are used on some roads instead of yellow lines. A double red line means no stopping at any time, while single red-line restrictions depend on the accompanying signs.
Kerb markings concern loading
Yellow marks on the kerb indicate loading restrictions. Check the nearby black-and-white plates to see when loading or unloading is prohibited.
Loading bays are not ordinary parking
A marked loading bay is intended for loading or unloading under the conditions shown by the associated sign. Do not use it as general parking.
Do not block the box
A box junction marking warns that you must not enter and stop in the marked area if this would block the carriageway. Keep the exit clear before entering.
The key rule: marking + sign
A common mistake is trying to interpret a road marking in isolation. Where restrictions depend on times or conditions, always check the nearby signs and plates.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Several road markings use similar colours or patterns but control completely different things.
Road Markings UK: Theory Test FAQ
What do double yellow lines mean?
Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, subject to any specific signed conditions or exceptions that apply.
What do single yellow lines mean?
Single yellow lines indicate waiting restrictions that apply at the times shown on nearby signs or zone-entry information. Always check the signs rather than assuming the restriction applies all the time.
What do red lines mean on a Red Route?
Red lines control stopping. Double red lines mean no stopping at any time, while restrictions on single red lines depend on the accompanying signs.
What do yellow marks on the kerb mean?
They indicate loading restrictions. Check the nearby black-and-white plates to find out when loading or unloading is prohibited.
What is the difference between road lines and kerb markings?
Road lines can control waiting or other road use, while yellow kerb marks specifically indicate loading restrictions. This distinction is a common Theory Test point.
What do double white lines mean?
Their meaning depends on the line nearest to you. Where the relevant line is solid, there are restrictions on crossing it, subject to the specific Highway Code conditions.
What is a hazard warning line?
It provides advance warning of a hazard ahead. Drivers should be prepared to reduce speed and deal with the hazard safely.
What does a box junction road marking mean?
You should not enter the marked box if you would have to stop and block the area. Make sure the route ahead is clear before entering.
What is a loading bay?
A loading bay is a marked area reserved for loading or unloading under the conditions displayed on the associated sign. It should not be treated as unrestricted parking.
What is the difference between a centre line and a lane line?
A centre line separates opposing traffic flows, while a lane line separates lanes travelling in the same direction.
Can I rely on road markings without checking signs?
No. Some restrictions depend on times, days or specific conditions shown on nearby plates or zone-entry signs. For the Theory Test, remember: marking + sign = complete instruction.