What does the double white dashed line at the front of an intersection mean?
3 Answers
The double white dashed line at the front of an intersection is a yield line. Here are the relevant details: 1. White dashed lines and white solid lines: White dashed lines are the most common type of road marking in daily life. When marked on road sections, they are used to separate traffic flows moving in the same direction or as safe distance indicators for vehicles. At intersections, they guide vehicle movement. White solid lines, when marked on road sections, separate motor vehicles from non-motor vehicles moving in the same direction or indicate the edge of a lane. At intersections, they can serve as guide lane lines or stop lines. 2. Yellow dashed lines: When marked on road sections, they separate opposing traffic flows. When marked on the roadside or curbs, they prohibit long-term parking of vehicles along the road.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and those double white dashed lines at the front of that intersection are just a deceleration warning sign, meaning you should slow down to yield, stopping if necessary to let vehicles on the main road pass first. I remember once on a small road back in my hometown, seeing those lines made me slow down immediately—otherwise, I would have almost hit an electric bike crossing. Safe driving is all about attentiveness. These lines are common at urban and rural intersections, especially where there are no traffic lights. Don't rush when driving; slow down, scan the road conditions left and right, and proceed only when you're sure there are no vehicles or pedestrians. Ignoring them could lead to accidents or fines—taking a little extra time to ensure safety is always better than regret. When I was learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized this rule, and now it's second nature to me. Every time I encounter double white dashed lines, I automatically control my speed.
Having paid attention to traffic rules for years, I believe double white dashed lines at the approach of intersections serve as a safety barrier, indicating the requirement to slow down and yield. Simply put, vehicles must reduce speed, observe traffic conditions on the main road, and stop if necessary to let others pass first. This marking is commonly found at busy intersections or on roads without traffic signals. While driving, spotting it should prompt you to ease off the accelerator early, fostering good habits to minimize accidents. From my personal experience, ignoring this can lead to sideswipes or rear-end collisions, especially during peak hours with dense traffic. Compliance isn't difficult—just coast slowly, keep your eyes peeled, and proceed when safe. The rule is thoughtfully designed to protect the interests of both pedestrians and drivers, emphasizing that driving is about steadiness, not speed.
