What is the dashed line marking?
2 Answers
Different dashed lines have different meanings. The double white dashed line at the forefront of an intersection is a yield line. White dashed lines and white solid lines: The white dashed line is the most common type of road marking in daily life. When marked on a road section, it is used to separate traffic flows in the same direction or as a safety distance recognition line for driving. When marked at an intersection, it is used to guide vehicle movement. The white solid line, when marked on a road section, is used to separate motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles traveling in the same direction or to indicate the edge of the traffic lane. At intersections, it can be used as a guide lane line or a stop line. Yellow dashed lines: When marked on a road section, they are used to separate opposing traffic flows. When marked on the roadside or curb, they prohibit vehicles from parking for extended periods along the roadside.
On the road, dashed lines are those painted as broken lines, most commonly seen at lane dividers or the center of the road, indicating that drivers can change lanes, overtake, or avoid obstacles when it is safe to do so. Having driven for nearly thirty years, I often encounter dashed line areas on highways, such as long straight sections where dashed lines remind you to overtake cautiously, but you must signal in advance, check the rearview mirror, and ensure there are no vehicles in the blind spot. In contrast, solid lines absolutely prohibit lane changes, and reckless maneuvers can lead to serious accidents. Dashed lines are also common near urban intersections, facilitating vehicle turns or U-turns, but extra caution is needed during rain or snow when the road is slippery, as changing lanes hastily with poor visibility may result in collisions. Dashed lines are part of road design, helping to make traffic more flexible and efficient. We should practice anticipation regularly to use them effectively, as safe driving is no joke—following the rules protects both ourselves and others.
