Markings (Annex 5 of the law) are lines, arrows and words on the carriageway and on road structures. They work alone or together with signs (Article 69.II, 69.IV). Horizontal markings are white; only 1.4, 1.10, 1.17 and 1.25 are yellow (69.V). Temporary lines have a different colour, and when they contradict permanent lines you follow the temporary ones (69.II, 69.II-I).
Longitudinal lines
| Line | What it shows | Crossing |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 — narrow solid | separates opposite flows, lanes at dangerous places, no-entry borders and the road edge | no |
| 1.2 — wide solid | the edge of the carriageway on a motorway | no |
| 1.3 — double solid | separates opposite flows on roads with 4 or more lanes | no |
| 1.5 — broken | separates opposite flows on 2–3 lane roads and lanes in one direction | yes, from either side |
| 1.6 — approach line | 1.1 or 1.11 is ahead; dashes three times longer than the gaps | yes |
| 1.7 — short broken | lanes inside a junction | yes |
| 1.8 — wide broken | the border of an acceleration or deceleration lane | yes |
| 1.9 — double broken | the border of reversible lanes | depends on the lane signals |
| 1.11 — solid + broken | places where you may cross from one side only | from the broken side; from the solid side only to finish overtaking |
1.9 borders reversible lanes. With no reversible-lane signals, or with them switched off, you may cross 1.9 if it is on your right; while the signals are on, a 1.9 between lanes of one direction may be crossed from either side. As soon as the signals go off, move to the right of 1.9 at once; then crossing a 1.9 that separates opposite flows is forbidden (69.VII.4).
Transverse lines and words
- 1.12 — stop line. Stop here at sign 2.5 or when the light (or controller) shows a prohibiting signal. The word «STOP» 1.21 with sign 2.5 warns that the stop line is near.
- 1.13 — a row of triangles. Stop here if you need to give way to traffic on the crossing road. 1.20 — a triangle on the road: 1.13 is ahead.
- 1.14.1 — an unregulated pedestrian crossing («zebra»), 1.14.2 — the direction of pedestrian flow, 1.14.3 — a crossing with traffic lights. 1.15 — where a cycle track crosses the carriageway.
Arrows, the grid and other markings
Arrows 1.18 show where you may go from each lane at the junction (alone or with signs 5.8.1, 5.8.2). A left arrow in the leftmost lane also allows a U-turn; an arrow with a dead-end symbol means turning into the nearest carriageway is forbidden (69.VI.18). 1.19 — the road narrows ahead, or 1.1/1.11 begins.
- 1.16.1–1.16.3 — guiding islands where flows split or merge.
- 1.22 — the road (route) number; 1.23 — a lane for public transport; 1.24 — a parking place for vehicles with the «Person with disability» sign; 1.26 — a cycle track.
Yellow lines along the kerb
1.4 (solid yellow), with sign 3.27, marks where stopping is forbidden; 1.10 (broken yellow), with 3.28 or 5.40, where standing is forbidden; both are painted on the edge of the carriageway or on top of the kerb. 1.17 (yellow zigzag) — a public-transport stop or a taxi rank (69.VI).
Vertical markings
Black-and-white stripes on bridge piers, tunnel portals, barriers, posts and islands show the size of the obstacle and help you see the direction (69.VIII). 2.1 — dangerous structural elements, 2.2 — the lower edge of tunnel and bridge spans, 2.3 — round islands, 2.4 — guide posts, 2.5–2.6 — the side of road barriers (2.5 on sharp bends and steep descents), 2.7 — raised safety islands (69.IX).
Returning after overtaking
Problem
You began overtaking a tractor where the line was broken. You are still in the oncoming lane, and ahead line 1.11 begins with the solid line on your side. May you return to your lane?
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Solution
The reversible signals went off
Problem
You are driving in a reversible lane bordered by line 1.9. The signals above the lanes suddenly go off. What must you do?
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Solution
Green light and the yellow grid
Problem
The light is green, but the cars beyond the junction are standing still. The junction has the yellow grid 1.25. May you enter?
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Solution
Remember
- Markings are white; 1.4, 1.10, 1.17, 1.25 are yellow; temporary lines override permanent ones.
- 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 are not crossed (except the edge line on your right to stop on the shoulder); 1.5–1.8 may be crossed.
- 1.11 — from the broken side yes; from the solid side only to finish overtaking.
- 1.12 is the stop line, 1.13 triangles are where to stop to give way; 1.14.1 is the zebra.
- Do not enter the yellow grid 1.25 when there is a jam; 1.4 — no stopping, 1.10 — no standing.