Road markings

Lane line

What does this road marking mean?

Short broken white lines dividing a wide carriageway into lanes. They are noticeably shorter than a centre line, which is the quickest way to tell at a glance whether the paint beside you separates lanes or separates directions of travel. You may cross them to change lane when it is safe, but you should stay within one lane rather than straddling two. On multi-lane roads they are the reference that keeps traffic in predictable positions.

Highway Code references

• Rule 131 from General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)

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