Learners are taught to read the road surface as well as the signs. Rules 127 to 143 of The Highway Code, published on GOV.UK, explain what the white lines and studs mean, how to change lanes and which lane to use on different types of road. This article summarises them for learner and new drivers. The Highway Code’s introduction says it applies to England, Scotland and Wales, so Northern Ireland is not covered. It is general information: rules written as “MUST” or “MUST NOT” are legal requirements, and “should” rules are advice.
Lines in the middle of the road (Rules 127 to 129)
Rule 127 covers a broken white line, which marks the centre of the road. When the line lengthens and the gaps shorten, it means a hazard ahead, and the Code says not to cross it unless the road is clearly free and the driver wishes to overtake or turn off.
Rule 128 covers double white lines where the line nearer to the driver is broken. A driver may cross to overtake if it is safe, provided the manoeuvre can be completed before reaching a solid white line on the driver’s own side.
Rule 129 covers double white lines where the nearer line is solid. A driver MUST NOT cross or straddle it, unless it is safe and they need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. The line may also be crossed, if the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.
Chevrons and hatched areas (Rule 130)
Rule 130 says areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons separate traffic lanes or protect traffic turning right. Where the area is bordered by a broken white line, drivers should not enter it unless it is necessary and safe. Where it is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines, drivers MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.
Lane dividers and road studs (Rules 131 and 132)
Rule 131 says lane dividers are short broken white lines on wide carriageways, and drivers should keep between them. Rule 132 sets out the colours of reflective road studs, which may be used with white lines:
- white studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road;
- red studs mark the left edge of the road;
- amber studs mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway;
- green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads; and
- green and yellow studs indicate temporary adjustments to lane layouts, for example where road works are taking place.
Changing lanes (Rules 133 and 134)
Rule 133 says that before changing lane, a driver should use their mirrors and, if necessary, take a quick sideways glance to make sure they will not force another road user to change course or speed. When it is safe, they signal and, when clear, move over. Rule 134 says to follow signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed, and in congested conditions not to change lanes unnecessarily. Merging in turn is recommended only if safe when vehicles are moving very slowly, for example near road works, and not at high speed.
Single carriageways with several lanes (Rules 135 and 136)
Where a single carriageway has three lanes and the markings or signs do not give priority to traffic in either direction, Rule 135 says the middle lane should be used only for overtaking or turning right, and the right-hand lane should not be used. Where a single carriageway has four or more lanes, Rule 136 says to use only the lanes that signs or markings indicate.
Dual carriageways (Rules 137 to 139)
A dual carriageway has a central reservation separating the carriageways. Rule 137 says on a two-lane dual carriageway a driver should stay in the left-hand lane, use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right, and move back to the left when it is safe. Rule 138 says on a road with three or more lanes a driver may use the middle or right-hand lanes to overtake but should then return to the middle lanes and then the left-hand lane when safe. Rule 139 covers climbing and crawler lanes on some hills, which slow-moving vehicles, or those with traffic behind wishing to overtake, should use.
Cycle lanes and tracks (Rule 140)
Rule 140 says a driver MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation, and should not drive or park in one marked by a broken white line unless unavoidable. Drivers MUST NOT park in any cycle lane while waiting restrictions apply. The Code adds that drivers should give way to cyclists in a cycle lane, including those approaching from behind, and should not cut across them when turning or changing lane.
Bus lanes and other designated lanes (Rules 141 and 142)
Rule 141 says that, unless otherwise indicated, drivers should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation, though they may enter one to stop, or to load or unload where this is not prohibited. Rule 142 says lanes may be restricted to particular vehicles, some or all of the time, and drivers MUST NOT use such lanes during operating times unless the signs permit their vehicle.
One-way streets (Rule 143)
Rule 143 says traffic MUST travel in the direction indicated by signs, and buses or cycles may have a contraflow lane. Drivers should choose the correct lane for their exit early and not change lanes suddenly. Unless signs or markings say otherwise, the Code advises the left-hand lane when going left, the right-hand lane when going right and the most appropriate lane when going straight ahead, remembering that traffic could pass on both sides.
The bottom line
Rules 127 to 143 ask drivers in England, Scotland and Wales to read markings as instructions, stay out of chevrons and restricted lanes, check mirrors before changing lane and use the left-hand lane by default on dual carriageways.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Introduction”
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)”