Maybe, some of us don’t know a lot of driving, maybe others know how to, but don’t have a proper car, or we are always the passengers, and yet, we have always seen them in highways, but… Do you know what the lane markings mean?
Even though at a simple view may seem just lines or painted markings, you may have noticed that even colors vary, or have a different pattern in their marking, depending on where they are.
Well, each of these qualities have a specific purpose, do you know which is the one? You may be surprised about the function and meaning beyond than delineate lanes, so, stay with us and learn all about them.
What does lane markings mean?
Before knowing the meaning of these markings in highway, first, you must know that these are road signage. And, belong to the group of horizontal signage, which is all that painted on pavement or asphalt.
All the signs work to guide to driver in the road and help him to take better decisions. Here we will explain you the different lane markings that you will visualize along the different routes.
Solid lines
The solid lines are in charge of make motorist know that shouldn’t overtake other vehicles in that section of highway. These are present, above all, in double way roads and sections where aren’t possible to observe if cars approximate in opposite direction, for that isn’t sure to invade lateral lane to pass. This can also be in reflective yellow color.
Dashed lines
In comparison to solid lines, the broken traffic lines are divided also called dashed lines. Their aim is informing motorists that is driving in a section where is allowed to overtake or change the lane. Sure, this doesn’t exempt to motorist of perform all their movement with extreme caution. Their color can be reflective yellow or white.
A single centerline
The single centerline can be presented in two ways. The first one, is a dashed line that indicates the lane separation, and allow to pass others or change the lane. On the other hand, if is a single solid centerline, indicates the lane separation and the difference of direction in the road. For that reason, isn’t allowed to overtake when that line is present.
Double centerline
In this case, if there are double solid centerlines, these indicate the direction of road, hence, prohibits to pass other vehicles in any direction. When we ask to ourselves what does the markings mean… the double centerline that combines a solid and a dashed line, is one of the most interesting signage in roads. As you will see, is practically a combination of the last ones, due indicate that exclusively the direction with dashed line can perform overtakes; the direction that with solid line can’t.
Guidance line to runaway truck ramp
In highways is possible to find too tilted slopes. When the brakes of a vehicle fail, the result can be fatal in these sections, for that, in these zones is probable to visualize the guidance line to a runaway truck ramp.
As its name indicates, it has the mission of make the motorist know that exist a runaway truck ramp. This line in red color will guide you to that ramp. In highways with a lane for direction, the line is at the center of the lane. In roadways with two or more lanes per direction, is painted the center of the high speed lane.
The line will be a dotted one, at the beginning of the descent and continues from the 1000 meters before getting to the ramp.
