What do the ground markings at intersections mean?
2 Answers
Guide lines, the form of guide lines mainly consists of one or several white V-shaped lines or diagonal striped areas set according to the terrain of the intersection, indicating that vehicles must drive according to the prescribed route and must not drive over or cross the lines. They are mainly used for overly wide, irregular, or complex intersections, ramp entrances of interchanges, or other special locations. The following is an introduction to guide lines: 1. Function: To regulate vehicles to drive according to the prescribed route on road sections, intersections, and entrances/exits, guide lines are usually used to warn drivers not to drive over or cross the lines, and to pay attention to safety and be vigilant. 2. Penalty for violation: According to Articles 38 and 44 of the Traffic Law, guide lines are a type of prohibited markings. Vehicles must drive according to the prescribed route and must not drive over or cross the lines, nor make U-turns or park arbitrarily in the guide line area. Once detected, the driver can be penalized.
I've been driving for over ten years, and at every intersection, I rely on these road markings to guide my way. Those white lines are stop lines, meaning you must stop behind them at red lights to prevent vehicles from blocking pedestrian crossings or intersections, ensuring a safe distance. There are also arrow markings on the lanes—straight arrows mean you can only go forward, while left or right turn arrows indicate the turning direction, and you shouldn't change lanes arbitrarily. Zebra crossings are safe passages for pedestrians to cross the road, so I must slow down and yield. These markings aren’t just about following rules—they also help reduce accidents. If visibility is poor in rainy weather, it’s easy to rear-end or violate traffic rules. I recommend that beginners practice observing these markings more to develop good habits while adhering to traffic laws to avoid fines. Additionally, some complex intersections have channelizing lines to separate lanes, optimizing traffic flow efficiency.
