Sign in

What are yellow and white lines on roads? What do they mean?

Each line drawn on the road has a specific meaning attached to it. It also helps you in following certain traffic rules

Updated on: Apr 27, 2023, 18:53:04 IST
By | Written by
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

While travelling in a vehicle, you must have seen white and yellow lines in the middle of the road. If you thought these lines are a result of the builder's imagination, you are wrong. These lines are drawn on the roads for a specific reason.

Each line drawn on the road has a specific meaning attached to it. It also helps you in following certain traffic rules. Sometimes these are straight lines while there are instances of two lines being drawn at a time. Let us tell you what these lines on the road actually mean.

Straight white line

A straight white line in the middle of a road divides it into two segments. It means you have to travel in the lane. If you try to move to a different lane on the road, there is a danger of an accident. You can change the lane only at the spot where there is a gap between the lines, a Live Hindustan report states.

Yellow line

The straight yellow line on the road indicates that you can overtake other vehicles, but cannot go on the either side of it. The yellow line has different meaning across states. In Telangana, it means that you cannot overtake other vehicles within the line.

Two straight yellow lines

According to these lines, you should travel only in your lane and cannot go on the either side of it on the road.

Yellow line with gaps

Sometimes you witness a yellow line with gaps alongside a straight line. If you are driving your car on the gapped line, you can overtake other vehicles. But if you are on the side of straight yellow lines, you cannot overtake any car or other vehicle.

These lines are drawn on the roads for a specific reason. (Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times))
These lines are drawn on the roads for a specific reason. (Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times))
  • HT News Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT News Desk

    Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! -Login Now!