In Australia, road markings play a vital role in establishing and sustaining road safety. Without them, there would be chaos and confusion amongst road users. But if everyone is following the same rules as they drive and use the road, it can cut down the number of accidents and injuries that occur. But it can be tricky to make sense of line markings, especially if you are new to driving.
Therefore, we’ve jotted down a few of the more common road markings you’re likely to encounter in Australia. Read on to understand how these markings help guide you and other road users.
- The centre lines:
The centre lines, sometimes also called dividing lines, separate traffic in two directions. You must always stay to the left of the centre line, no matter how they appear. Depending on the type of centre line, there may be other restrictions as well.
• Broken white: You can cross the centre line to enter or leave the road. Furthermore, you can even overtake across the centreline or a complete U-turn if it is safe to do so.
• Unbroken white: You cannot cross the centre line, including to overtake or make a U-turn.
• Double unbroken white: You cannot cross the centre lines unless you are doing so to avoid an obstruction.
• Double white where broken line is on the left of unbroken line: You can cross the line to enter or leave the road. If it is safe to do so, you can also make a U-turn across the centre lines.
• Double white, broken line on the right of unbroken: Like the double unbroken line, you cannot cross the centre line unless you are avoiding an obstacle.
- Lane markings:
Along with centre lines, there are also lane markings. These lane markings are used on roads with high volumes of traffic and aim to help minimise accidents between road users. Like centre lines, different types of lane markings have different restrictions.
• Broken white lines: Similar to a broken centre line, you can cross the broken lane marking to overtake another vehicle. However, you must stay in the left-most lane unless you are actively overtaking.
• Unbroken white lines: As with an unbroken centre line, you cannot cross an unbroken lane marking unless you are avoiding an obstacle. Additionally, you may cross the unbroken lane marking if a sign indicates you may do so.
• Curved broken lines across intersection: Sometimes multiple lanes will need to pass through an intersection. To help minimise incidents between cars changing lanes as they turn, these curved lane markings act as a guide. You should never overtake or change lanes while turning as other motorists may not be prepared for this sudden change.
- Kerb lines:
In more built-up areas, there may also be painted lines along kerbs. These will typically be yellow and indicate whether you can or cannot park beside that kerb.
• Unbroken yellow line: Also known as a no stopping line, you cannot park next to this kerb unless it is an emergency. If you do park there, you may be fined or even have your car towed.
• Broken yellow line: These kerb lines denoteclearways. You may be able to park next to the kerb at certain times but not others. However, like unbroken kerb lines, you can also park any time next to a broken kerb line if it’s an emergency. Buses and taxis can also briefly park next to broken kerb lines at any time to pick up or set down passengers.
- Painted islands:
Generally, you cannot drive on painted road islands, but there are a few exceptions to this rule.
• Single white line: If you see a line painted around the traffic island, then you can drive on it for up to 50 meters to enter or leave a road. However, you need to give space to other vehicles that enter any turning lanes next to the painted road island.
• Double white lines: If there are double white lines around the traffic island, you cannot drive onto it.
Staying alert saves lives
There’s more to being a safe driver than wearing a seatbelt and following speed limits. You also need to understand and follow line markings like those described above. Therefore, you need to be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Read our another article on “Why Line Marking is Important“
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