An article on some basic road markings and their meanings.

1. Broken White Line

A broken white line simply indicates that you can change the lane, but with caution.

An article on some basic road markings and their meanings
Some basic road markings and their meanings.

2. Straight White Line

Unlike the broken white line, a straight white line is only made on a two-way road and it implies that you can’t overtake the vehicle ahead, in other words, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CHANGE LANES.

Road signs
Road signs and their meanings: Straight white line.

3. Single Straight Yellow Line

This is also made on a two-way road. The yellow line implies that overtaking a vehicle is allowed, but crossing the yellow line is not allowed. This is why, a single yellow line is also made on the side of the lanes, implying the end of the road.

Road signs
Single Straight Yellow Line, road signs

4. Double Straight Yellow Lines

In case of double straight yellow lines, passing is strictly restricted.

Road Signs: Understanding Some Basic Road Markings And their Meanings
Double Straight Yellow Lines, Do Not Cross

5. Broken Yellow Line

This is also like the broken white lines where one vehicle can overtake the other, but with caution.

Broken Yellow Line
Broken Yellow Line

6. Straight Yellow Line with Broken Yellow Line

This implies that if you are driving on the side of the broken line, you can’t overtake any vehicle, but if you’re driving on the straight line, you can overtake.

Types of road signs in Nigeria
Straight Yellow Line with Broken Yellow Line

There are other road markings, but these are the basic ones we mostly see, and also some markings are different depending on the countries.

Some Comments on road markings and their meanings

Josey Slevin

Sorry quick question, I thought the white lines and the broken lines, were to note which roads, are fed roads and state gov roads project. I haven’t seen any of the yellow lines in Nigeria either.

Mmamua Pro

I used to know all these road signs, but I’ve forgotten them. You just refreshed my memory. Thanks.

Black Daddy

People in the comments section saying “thanks for this, i didn’t know about this, this is educative, yen yen yen”
Now that y’all know about this, how many of us is going to take note of this when driving?

Fitila

I know many people that think the lines are just there to separate the lanes.

Same Smilez

They won’t teach you about the meaning of road markings or road signs in driving school these days. Thank you.

End

This educative thread was originally created by
@Motolanii_ on Twitter. Knowing and obeying that road signs and markings will drastically reduced accidents on our roads.

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