When the guide sign and the road markings are inconsistent, which one should be followed?
2 Answers
When the guide sign and the road markings are inconsistent, follow the direction indicated by the road. Indication markings: Markings that indicate lanes, driving directions, road edges, sidewalks, and other facilities. Prohibition markings: Markings that announce special regulations for road traffic compliance, prohibitions, restrictions, etc., which must be strictly followed by vehicle drivers and pedestrians. Warning markings: Markings that prompt vehicle drivers and pedestrians to be aware of special road conditions, stay alert, and prepare for preventive or responsive measures. Do not cross solid white lines or channelizing lines: When approaching intersections, on-ramps, off-ramps, highway entrances, and other areas, there are solid channelizing lines that should not be crossed, as many of these areas are under strict surveillance.
This issue is quite common while driving, and my opinion is to follow the guidance signs as they are usually officially installed and less prone to errors, whereas road arrows or markings may become inaccurate due to wear, rain, snow, or temporary construction changes. Having driven for over a decade, I’ve encountered similar situations a few times: for example, at a suburban intersection where the sign indicated a speed limit of 60, but the road markings were faded and appeared to suggest 40, I would trust the sign’s instruction. The reason is simple—signs are specifically maintained by traffic authorities. If there’s a conflict, road changes might need updating, but signs often carry the latest information. Of course, in special areas like construction zones, temporary markings may take precedence, but generally, safety comes first. When encountering inconsistencies, slow down first, observe the actions of other drivers around you, and then decide. In short, sticking to signs can help avoid tickets or wrong turns, which is especially crucial on highways.
