We tend to take longitudinal pavement markings (road striping) for granted because they seem to have always been there and everybody understands them (or do they?). We offer a simple refresher on their meanings for those who are less than sure that we do know. Stripes and markings are yellow, white or red.

Yellow lines delineate separate traffic flows in opposite directions or mark the left edge of divided highways and one-way roads.

While lines delineate the separation of traffic flows in the same direction or mark the right edge of the pavement.

Red markings delineate roads that shall not be entered or used by the viewer.

Broken lines are permissive. Solid lines are restrictive. Width of line indicates degree of emphasis. Double lines indicate maximum restrictions.

Raised markers may serve as position guides, substitute or supplement markings.

A normal line is 4” to 6” wide. A wide line is at least twice as wide as a normal line. A double line is two normal width lines separated by a discernible space. A broken line is made of segments and gaps in the ratio of 1:3 or 10’:30’. A dotted line is made of short, typically 2’, segments, to 2-4’ gaps.

Transverse markings, all those other than stripes, are white except yellow median markers and red wrong way markings.