Why can't you drive straight in a lane with sawtooth markings?
4 Answers
A lane formed by sawtooth markings is a variable lane, so driving straight is not allowed. Here is some relevant information about lanes: 1. Introduction: A lane, also known as a traffic lane or carriageway, is a designated path on a road for vehicles to travel. Lanes are set up on both regular roads and highways, with highways having legal regulations for lane usage, such as travel lanes and overtaking lanes. 2. Lane pavement markings: In many countries, lane markings appear on the road surface. The most common markings are directional arrows. In China, starting with the Beijing Airport Expressway, all newly built highways have ground lane markings, especially those related to speed limits. The maximum speed limit is indicated in orange, while the minimum speed limit is shown in white. Newly opened sections of the Southwest Sixth Ring Road, which began operation in 2004, also have ground speed limit markings. The Beijing section of the Jing-Shi Expressway has also implemented lane-specific speed limits.
I remember encountering these serrated lane markings a few years ago while driving, at a turn on a suburban road. I initially thought about driving straight through, but was stopped by a friend just in time. Later, I learned that these zigzag markings are specifically designed to prevent you from going straight—they serve as a visual cue to alert drivers to slow down and make a turn, as there's likely a sharp curve or intersection ahead. If you attempt to drive straight over them, the wheels will bump and vibrate, destabilizing the vehicle and potentially causing it to veer off the road, hitting the curb or other obstacles, which could lead to a rollover or sideswipe. I’ve since made it a habit to pay extra attention to these markings, especially during rain or at night when visibility is poor—ignoring serrated lanes is practically risking your life. I’ve also come across similar road features like speed bumps or reflective markers, which follow the same principle: forcing you to adjust your path to reduce accidents. Now, whenever I see zigzag lines, I automatically slow down and prepare to turn. Developing this habit has made driving much safer. Ultimately, road designers didn’t add these serrations for aesthetics—they’re there to protect everyone.
As an ordinary driver who pays attention to traffic design, I have to explain why you can't drive straight in a lane with zigzag markings. These serrated lines are usually deliberately painted by traffic authorities to force vehicles to turn rather than go straight in specific areas such as intersections or bends, avoiding collisions with cross traffic and preventing accidents. If you drive straight through, on one hand, the bumpiness will cause you to lose control of the car, and on the other hand, it's physically designed as a no-go zone—driving over the serrated edges will not only wear out your tires quickly but also increase the risk of losing control. I've seen some research data showing that ignoring such markings is a cause of many sideslip accidents. Similar road markings include rumble strips before zebra crossings or channelizing islands, all with the same intention. I recommend paying more attention to road prompts while driving, as following the rules can significantly improve driving safety. Develop the habit of anticipating and prepare to slow down and turn in advance—after all, protecting yourself and others is what matters most.
When I first started learning to drive, I also asked my instructor this question. The instructor explained it very clearly: the lane with sawtooth markings is a prominent warning sign on the road surface, indicating that you cannot go straight here—you must turn or proceed with caution. The sawtooth pattern visually grabs attention and physically creates a bumpy sensation, reminding drivers to slow down and change lanes. If you insist on going straight, at best you'll damage the undercarriage, and at worst, the uneven surface could cause loss of control and lead to an accident. Actually, the reasoning is quite simple when you think about it: road design serves a purpose. Sawtooth markings indicate that the area isn’t suitable for straight-line driving, possibly to avoid obstacles or conflicting traffic flows. Now, whenever I encounter sawtooth markings while driving, I immediately adjust my direction without hesitation—safety always comes first.
