What are the yellow and white lines on roads? Whenever you drive on the road, you've likely noticed white or yellow lines in the middle of the road. Sometimes these lines are completely straight, while others have small cuts in the middle. Many people ignore them, thinking they're just a road design, but in reality, these lines have a special meaning, and they're completely related to your safety. Let's learn more about them:

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Why is there a straight white line in the middle of the road?

First, let's talk about the straight white line. A straight white line drawn in the middle of the road divides the road into two parts. This means that every vehicle should drive in its own lane. Crossing this line and entering another lane increases the risk of an accident.

Gap in the White Line

You can change lanes where there's a gap, or a broken space, in the middle of the white line. This means you shouldn't cross a continuous white line, but a broken line indicates you can change lanes with caution.

What does a yellow line in the middle of the road mean?

Now let's talk about yellow lines. A straight yellow line in the middle of the road usually means you can overtake, but you can't cross the line and go to the other side. This means you must stay in your lane. However, the rules may differ in some states. For example, in Telangana, a straight yellow line means that overtaking is not permitted in that area. Therefore, it's important to be aware of local traffic rules.

Two Straight Yellow Lines

If two straight yellow lines appear side by side on the road, it means you must stay in your lane. In such a situation, you should neither cross the line nor overtake. This rule applies especially in places where there may be a curve, bridge, or heavy traffic ahead.

You may have often noticed a straight yellow line on one side and a broken yellow line on the other. In this case, the rules depend on which side of the road you're driving on. If you're on the side with the broken lines, you can overtake. However, if you're on the side with the straight lines, overtaking is prohibited.

The purpose of these lines is to maintain discipline on the road and reduce accidents. If every driver understands these signals, traveling on the road can be safer and easier. So, next time you drive, pay attention to these lines and follow traffic rules.

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