
Three types of distance confirmation lines are as follows: White zigzag distance confirmation line: Total width 300cm, line width 40cm or 45cm, starting from the confirmation base point at 0m, set every 5 meters, two lines form a group, spaced 50m apart, repeated for five groups, or multiple groups can be set according to the site conditions. White semicircular distance confirmation line: Hemisphere radius is 30cm, set at 50m intervals, generally continuously set within a certain road section. White rectangular distance confirmation line: Used in conjunction with distance confirmation signs, set on road sections where overtaking frequently occurs, accident-prone areas, or other necessary locations. The purpose of highway distance confirmation markings is to remind drivers to maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle ahead when seeing these markings, to avoid traffic accidents.









As a veteran truck driver with 20 years of experience, let me tell you about the three common types of distance confirmation markers on highways. The most noticeable are large white rectangular blocks, spaced every 50 meters across the road, about the size of parking spaces. These help you estimate distance - when the second block appears, you should maintain at least 100 meters from the vehicle ahead for safety. Then there are parallel dotted line groups that divide the road into channels, mainly used in tunnels and long downhill sections. The most prominent type combines white blocks with longitudinal dotted lines, often accompanied by electronic warning signs at accident-prone areas. When driving at night, if you see reflective markers flashing, remember the three-second rule for safest following distance.

When studying for the driving test, remember that vehicle distance confirmation markings are categorized into horizontal, vertical, and combined types. Horizontal markings are white semi-arched or rectangular blocks, commonly found on highway shoulders. Vertical markings, called lane longitudinal deceleration markings, consist of narrowing dashed lines, used on curves or ramps to prompt speed reduction and increased following distance. Combined markings are used in areas prone to rear-end collisions, featuring horizontal lines paired with vertical dashed lines, sometimes including vibration-indicating markers. For example, the raised rectangular blocks on bridges cause vehicle vibration when driven over, serving as a reminder not to follow too closely. These three types are essential in the subject four test bank—recognizing their shapes is more effective than rote memorization of numbers.

Experience of road marking teams: There are only three types of spacing lines. The horizontal ones are rectangular confirmation groups, with a national standard stipulating a 50-meter gap between each segment. The parallel dashed lines on the side are longitudinal deceleration markings, designed to create a visual narrowing effect that prompts drivers to slow down voluntarily. The composite type is the most complex, requiring the simultaneous application of white zigzag lines and longitudinal blocks. Although costly, it delivers the best results. For continuous uphill curves like those on the G4 expressway's Shaoguan section, composite lines must be used in conjunction with rumble strips. When repainting lines, special attention must be paid to the retroreflectivity to ensure clear visibility during rain and at night, which requires mixing glass beads into the paint.

A traffic officer with experience in handling hundreds of rear-end collisions advises: the distance lines are lifelines for collision prevention. The first type consists of evenly spaced white rectangles in the middle or on the side of the road. The second type features diamond-shaped blocks that gradually narrow into dashed lines, creating an illusion of a narrowing lane to force drivers to slow down. The third type is the most effective, combining transverse confirmation lines with longitudinal speed bumps, commonly found at highway exits. Last year's 37-vehicle pileup on the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway was caused by a truck driver ignoring these combined markings. When you see white diamond-shaped grids starting to appear, your right foot should already be moving to the brake.

From a novice driver's perspective: Three types of following distance markers not thoroughly covered in driving school are actually encountered daily on roads. The basic version consists of connected white squares, suitable for straight highways. The advanced version features double dashed lines with inverted triangles in between, particularly useful at turns. The premium version combines the first two types with 3D reflective effects, commonly seen on mountainous highways. Last week while driving through the Qinling Mountains at night, when the navigation warned to maintain distance, I suddenly noticed red-and-blue reflective block markers on the road—the upgraded composite lines—and immediately eased off the accelerator to increase following distance. Memorizing these can help avoid tickets and save lives.


