Double yellow line

A double yellow line is a common road marking meaning different things in many parts of the world.

United Kingdom

Double yellow lines in the UK indicate that parking is prohibited.

Double yellow lines along the edge of the carriageway indicate that waiting restrictions apply to the road^[1] (which includes the carriageway, pavement and verge). A driver may stop for passengers to board or alight and to load or unload (unless there are also 'loading restrictions' as described below). The regulation applies to all vehicles other than those with disabled parking permits - see below.^[2] The restriction applies from the centre of the carriageway to the back of the footway.

History

Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless there are signs that specifically indicate seasonal restrictions.^[2] They were first introduced in the UK by section 51^[3] of the Road Traffic Act 1960^[4] (repealed in 1972 and replaced by later legislation).

Loading restrictions

Loading is allowed on double yellow lines unless there are also yellow marks on the kerb or at the edge of the carriageway.^[2]

British influence

Countries that were once part of the British Empire are likely to retain a modified version of the British laws including the basic principles regarding road safety.

Republic of Ireland

Double yellow lines on the side of the road has a similar meaning (No parking at any time) as the United Kingdom.^[5]

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the regions using double yellow lines on the side of carriageways outside the UK.

India

A double yellow line, compared to a double white line, indicates a no-passing restriction. Double white is just a no passing suggestion.

Malta

A double yellow line means no stopping. This means that unloading of goods and alighting of passengers is not permitted. ^[6]

Singapore

Singapore, an ex-crown colony of the UK, also uses double yellow lines to indicate no parking at the sides.

Mauritius

Mauritius was once a British colony, and today still applies double yellow lines to mark restricted parking areas at all hours on the sides of carriageways.

Australia and Canada

In Australia and Canada, a double yellow line in the centre of the road means that it is unsafe for traffic travelling in either direction to pass. It is usually found on rolling hills or through corners where visibility is limited.

In the province of British Columbia, it is against the law to touch or cross solid double yellow line at any time, even to avoid obstructions on the highway.^[7] The only exception to this is when a vehicle is entering or exiting the highway, given a vehicle can safely do so without affecting the flow of other vehicles.^[8]

United States

A double yellow center line in the United States indicates that passing is prohibited

A double yellow line is a painted marking between opposing sides of a highway. It consists of two parallel, solid yellow lines located between the two directions of traffic flow and its presence usually indicates a no-passing restriction or no passing zone. Obvious exceptions to this no-passing restriction include emergency maneuvers or temporary traffic flow changes due to road work. Often the double yellow line has sections where one of the lines becomes dashed (in which case it is no longer a "double yellow"), indicating to the drivers traveling on the side closest to the dashed line that they may pass when it's safe.

In the state of Rhode Island, two municipalities replace the double yellow line with strippings of red, white and blue; Bristol (longest continuous running Fourth of July parade) and Warwick (host of Gaspee Days)

In some states, it is not against the law to overtake vehicles in the presence of solid yellow lines if it is safe to do so. For example, Vermont State Law also allows passing across the double yellow line when no traffic is on the opposing side, however, one must pass quickly and return to the proper side. ^[9] Pennsylvania also permits passing on double yellow lines when not also posted with "Do Not Pass" signage. ^[10][11] However, this is unusual as most states have a ban on crossing a double yellow line except when turning, or when pedestrians, bicycles, or other obstructions in the road make it necessary. Overtaking another vehicle across a solid yellow line is usually considered a serious traffic violation in most states. ^[12]

See also

• Single yellow line
• Red route

References