Road markings are a tested section of the South African learner's licence exam, often confused with road signs. The key difference: markings are painted on the road surface; signs are on posts or boards. Both carry the force of law.
The three colours
| Colour | General meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Regulatory - lane discipline, stop lines, parking bays |
| Yellow | Warning / restriction - no parking, edge lines on two-way roads |
| Red | Prohibition - no stopping zones |
White markings in detail
Centre lines (longitudinal):
- Dashed white line - advisory lane boundary; you may cross to overtake when safe
- Solid white line - do not cross to overtake or change lanes
- Double solid white lines - overtaking prohibited in either direction
- One solid + one dashed - the solid side cannot cross; the dashed side may cross when safe
Transverse (across the road):
- Stop line - thick solid white line at a STOP sign or red light; stop before the line
- Give-way line - dashed white line at a YIELD sign; slow and give way
- Pedestrian crossing lines - alternating white and black strips (zebra); pedestrians have right of way
Edge lines:
- White edge line (right side) - marks the right edge of a one-way road or freeway
- Lane lines - dashed white lines separating lanes in the same direction
Other white markings:
- Parking bay lines - white rectangles marking individual parking spaces
- Box junction - yellow box with an X inside; do not enter unless your exit is clear
- Arrows - directional arrows in lanes indicate permitted movements
Yellow markings in detail
- Yellow edge line (left side) - marks the left edge of a two-way road; no parking allowed
- Yellow kerb - no parking on that stretch of road
- Yellow zig-zag lines - approaching a pedestrian crossing; no stopping or overtaking
- Double yellow lines - no-parking zone on both sides
Red markings
- Red line at the kerb - no-stopping zone; not even to drop someone off
- Red hatching - fire hydrant areas, bus stops (where stopping is exclusively reserved)
Chevrons and hatched areas
- Diagonal hatching - a box with diagonal lines; this area must not be driven on. Used to separate traffic streams at lane merges or protect a right-turn lane.
- Painted islands - raised or painted areas that separate opposing traffic; treat as a solid barrier
The learner's test angle
Road markings questions in the learner's test typically show a bird's-eye diagram of a road and ask:
- What does this type of line mean?
- May a driver cross this line?
- What must a driver do at this marking?
Common traps:
- Confusing a solid white centre line (no crossing) with a white stop line (stop before it, then proceed)
- Missing the difference between a yellow edge line (no parking) and a red kerb (no stopping)
- Not knowing that zig-zag lines near a crossing prohibit stopping - not just overtaking
Practise applying road markings knowledge in the rules of the road practice test.
Frequently asked
- Can I cross a solid white line?
- No, except for lines that run across the road (stop lines, give-way lines). A solid white line running along the road means you may not cross it to overtake or change lanes.
- What does a yellow line on the left side of the road mean?
- A yellow edge line on the left side marks the edge of a two-way road. Parking on a yellow line is prohibited.
- What does a red line on the road mean?
- Red surface markings indicate a no-stopping zone. You may not stop, park, or even drop off a passenger on a red line.
- What is a chevron marking?
- Chevron markings (V-shapes or diagonal hatching in a box) mark areas where vehicles must not drive. They separate opposing traffic streams or protect a hazard zone.
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Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of May 2026. Road traffic laws, DLTC procedures, and fee schedules can change — verify critical requirements with your DLTC or the RTMC (rtmc.co.za) before your test.