Road Markings in Pakistan – Types, Meanings, and Rules for Drivers

While driving, you will see various lines and markings on the road. Some guide your lane, some mark the edge of the road, while others appear across your path to indicate something important that you need to keep in mind. These road markings play an important role in maintaining traffic flow and ensuring the safety of everyone using the roads. Having a good understanding of these markings is especially important in Pakistan, where road markings are not always followed properly. Educating drivers about what different markings mean can help them recognize them more easily and follow them correctly.

Road markings are different from road signs. While road signs are generally placed beside or above the road, road markings are applied directly to the road surface and communicate instructions through lines, symbols, colors, and patterns.

Types of Road Markings in Pakistan

This section covers the most common road markings drivers are likely to encounter on Pakistani roads, along with their meanings and practical use.

Basic White Road Markings

The basic white road markings are the most common you will find on roads in Pakistan. They are used for a variety of purposes, including separating lanes, marking road boundaries, controlling traffic movements, and guiding drivers. You will find these markings on small streets, main roads, highways, and even motorways. Different types of basic white road markings include:

Broken White Line

A broken white line is commonly used to separate lanes travelling in the same direction. Drivers may cross the line when changing lanes if the manoeuvre is permitted and can be completed safely. Drivers should check their mirrors and blind spots and use the appropriate indicator before changing lanes.

Solid White Line

A solid white line can be used as a lane divider where changing lanes across it is restricted. Solid white lines are also commonly used to mark the edge of the carriageway. The meaning therefore depends on where the line is positioned and what it is being used to mark.

Double Solid White Line

Double solid white lines reinforce the restriction on crossing the marking. Drivers should not cross them where crossing is prohibited by the applicable road rules.

Solid + Broken White Line

A solid and broken line used together can impose different restrictions on traffic approaching from opposite sides. Drivers may cross when the broken line is on their side of the marking, and the manoeuvre is otherwise permitted and safe. Drivers approaching the solid line on their side should not cross it.

Double Broken White Line

The double broken white line shows that traffic can cross from either direction when safe. This is not commonly used in Pakistan, but it is often found on wider roads across the world.

Yellow Road Markings

Yellow road markings are used for a range of traffic-control purposes in Pakistan, including center-line markings, road-edge restrictions and parking or stopping restrictions. Their meaning depends on the type, position and pattern of the marking, so drivers should consider the complete road layout rather than relying on color alone.

Single Solid Yellow Line

The single solid yellow line is used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions. No one can cross over a solid yellow line, as it is prohibited. These are used commonly on two-way roads, hills, curves, bridges, and other areas where some sort of obstacle or hazard may be present.

Double Solid Yellow Lines

Similar to the single solid yellow line, double solid yellow lines prohibit any crossing from either side, but they are used in extremely dangerous locations. These include tight bridges, sharp curves, steep grades, or other high-risk locations.

Broken Yellow Line

A broken yellow line indicates traffic moving in opposite directions, but crossing is allowed only when it is safe. These road markers are used in straight stretches of road where visibility is normally good.

Solid + Broken Yellow Line

The solid + broken yellow line shows that the broken side of the road marker is safe to cross, but drivers cannot cross over the solid section even when it is safe. Drivers on the broken side cannot come over as well once they cross over to the solid section of the road marker. These markers are commonly used in areas where one-sided traffic needs to be restricted from crossing over, such as uphill traffic. In an uphill scenario, people going down will need to stick to one lane, but those climbing may be allowed to overtake if they are behind a lorry or a truck.

Double Broken Yellow Lines

The double broken yellow lines permit crossing from either direction when safe, and these are used on wider roads where visibility is not a problem.

Yellow Curb (Shoulder)

The yellow line could also be used to identify the edge of a road on the side near a curb or a shoulder. Parking may or may not be allowed near this marker, and it will depend on road signs closer to the section where a vehicle may be present at a time.

Lane Separation Markings

These are used to separate lanes on highways, main roads, and motorways.

Normal Lane Divider

These are normal white lane dividers. Drivers are free to cross into other lanes when it is safe and by using proper indicators.

Solid Lane Divider

A solid lane divider indicates that changing lanes across the marking is restricted. Drivers should move into their intended lane before reaching the solid section rather than crossing it simply because another lane is moving faster or is less congested.

Lane Ending and Merging

On highways and motorways, there are often extra road lanes added at an intersection or toll plazas to accommodate additional vehicles trying to merge into the road, or to cater to increased traffic flow because of slow speeds. At these locations, special lane-ending and merge markings are used, which indicate to drivers that the extra lanes are ending soon. When these markers appear on the road, the driver should prepare to merge into the open lane safely and by using proper indicators.

Road Edge Markings

These markings are used to identify the edge of the road.

Solid White Edge Line

A solid white edge line marks the boundary of the carriageway. Drivers should normally remain within the marked carriageway and should not treat the area beyond the line as an ordinary traffic lane. Whether stopping or parking is permitted depends on the applicable road rules, signs, and local restrictions.

Solid Yellow Edge Line

A solid yellow line also indicates the edge of a road, highway, or carriageway, but unlike the white edge line, the solid yellow edge line does not allow parking or crossing of any sort. These are used in sensitive areas, where parking is not allowed in Pakistan.

Painted Curb Markings

A painted curb, typically in yellow and black or white and black, indicates the edge of the road. These are present on the edge of a road, medians, or islands. They not only warn drivers not to cross over but also improve the overall visibility of the road. In Pakistan, you will often find painted curbs on main roads that have a footpath for pedestrians, and a building or wall next to the footpath.

Edge Line on Divided Highways

Solid white lines mark the end of the carriageway next to the shoulder or median. Drivers are expected to remain inside the line for their own and others’ safety. You will find these on motorways and main highways in Pakistan.

Edge Line on Curves and Hills

The edge line on curves and hills helps drivers to identify the road edges and drive safely inside the lanes. They improve visibility and are often accompanied by small reflectors in Pakistan, which help during nighttime driving in hilly areas.

Special Road Markings

These markings are for general information, hazards, and guidance for the driver.

Stop Line

A stop line is a transverse road marking indicating where vehicles should stop when required by a traffic signal, stop sign, or other traffic control. Drivers should stop before the line and avoid blocking the crossing or intersection beyond it.

Give Way /Yield Line

A Give Way or Yield marking tells the driver to slow down and give way to traffic with priority. The driver should stop if necessary to allow other traffic to pass safely.

Pedestrian Zebra Crossing

These vertical white stripes are often found at major intersections, and they allow pedestrians to cross the road safely. This is one of the most misunderstood road markers in Pakistan. We often see vehicles parked on them, blocking pedestrians instead of parking behind them. Zebra crossings in Pakistan are often accompanied by a white line behind them that denotes a stopping line for vehicles, but drivers always ignore the line and park on the zebra crossing. The vehicle must always stop behind the zebra crossing to allow people to cross the road safely. Where traffic signals control the crossing, drivers should follow the signal as well as any applicable pedestrian-priority rules.

Bicycle Lane Marking

A bicycle drawn before a lane or inside a lane means that the lane is reserved for bicycles only. These lanes are very few in Pakistan, even in major cities, but there are a few, so drivers must be aware of this road marking. Motor vehicles should not enter or obstruct a designated bicycle lane except where the road layout or applicable rules specifically allow it.

Turning Arrows

In intersections, the turning arrows indicate the direction in which a lane must move. Straight arrows must only move straight, while a left or right turning arrow lane must follow left or right, respectively. These are normally placed on lanes approaching intersections to give drivers plenty of time to correct their lanes.

Straight / Turn Lane Arrows

Unlike at intersections, you will often find straight and turn lane arrows on highways and main roads as well. These straight and turn lane arrows usually show which direction the road will lead up ahead. There may be an intersection or not up ahead, but the arrows will help drivers to correct their lanes properly.

Merge Arrow

A Merge Arrow is an arrow pointing forward with a smaller line linking with it below the tip. This road marker identifies when a smaller road is about to merge with the main road, and the driver must expect incoming vehicles. While the main road gets priority, the driver must remain careful about merging vehicles.

Bus Lane Marking

These are special lanes designated for buses and public transport vehicles. Normally, they will have a large BUS written on them, and general traffic is strictly prohibited from entering these lanes. In Pakistan, normally these special bus lanes are developed for Metro buses and are closed by dividers, but there are some instances where there are special bus lanes and only Metro buses are allowed to drive in these lanes.

Hatched / Chevron Area

The hatched or chevron area is a special area which is denoted by diagonal white lines. These white lines are used to close open lanes temporarily, making them off-limits for all sorts of traffic, and can be used further down the road. You will find them in different locations in Pakistan, such as toll plazas, junctions, medians, and islands.

No Stopping Cross (Yellow or White Cross)

The Yellow or White Cross area shows a location that must be kept open at all times. These could be loading areas, emergency drop-offs, busy intersections, or junctions. These are placed on the road to ensure that no vehicle is ever stationary on it to cause any sort of traffic hindrance.

No Parking Line (Single and Double)

Road-edge markings can be used to indicate parking or stopping restrictions. Drivers should look for the complete marking arrangement and any accompanying signs before stopping or parking, particularly where local road authorities use different marking conventions.

Speed Hump Marking

Speed humps may be highlighted with contrasting paint and are often accompanied by warning signs. Drivers should reduce speed before reaching a speed hump and remain alert for pedestrians and other road users.

Raised Pedestrian Crossing Marking

These are special locations for pedestrians to cross the road, as they are slightly elevated. They act as a speed hump as well as a crossing. Their marking is a row of triangles, next to a zebra crossing. The drivers must slow down or stop and give way to people crossing the road here.

How to Drive Around Road Markings

Traffic discipline can only be achieved when drivers proactively approach road markings. If they are approaching an intersection, they should know what type of road markings an intersection will typically have. If they are traveling on a motorway and are close to a toll plaza, what kind of road merge markers you can probably come across. All of these must be written inside the driver’s brain like a rule book.

Changing Lanes

Changing lanes while driving is directly related to road markers, no matter what type of road a driver may be driving on. The first thing to do before changing lanes is to see what kind of road marking is present. Is it a dotted line? Is it a single solid white line? It might be a yellow line as well. Based on the road marking, you must identify whether you can change lanes or if it is prohibited.

Before changing lanes, you must turn on the indicator to inform incoming traffic that you are changing lanes. Always check your blind spots by turning your neck, or if your vehicle has sensors, glance at the side mirrors to see if any lights are on. Check rear-view mirrors on both sides. Always change one lane at a time. If you have to move two lanes. Use the indicator to turn into one lane first. Drive for 1- 2 seconds, and then turn into the second lane by following the same safety procedure. Once you have changed the lane, make sure to cancel the indicator as well. Some cars come with special lane-changing indicators which blink for some time and turn off automatically.

Approaching a Solid Line

You must always prepare for a driving restriction in advance. If a solid line is coming ahead and you have to make a turn or a lane change, make the switch before the solid line. A broken lane divider may ultimately turn into a solid line, so do not wait for the last few meters to move over. Be proactive and make the turn early. This strategy will be useful for you when approaching toll plazas, intersections, lane reductions, merging areas, and motorway exits.

Approaching a Center Line

When approaching a center line, identify whether it is broken, solid, or a combination of the two. This helps determine whether crossing or overtaking is permitted. Drivers should also consider visibility, oncoming traffic, intersections, curves, hills, and other hazards before attempting any manoeuvre.

Approaching a Line That is Ending

If you are merging into a highway, or if you are driving along a lane that has incoming merge lines, you will want to actively prepare a strategy in your mind. If you are on the merging lane, you should check the main road for incoming traffic, turn your indicator on, and look for a suitable gap quickly, instead of waiting for the end. This will ensure that your merge is smooth. The trick is to slide into the traffic without the car coming up behind you applying its brakes. A good driver never forces another driver to brake suddenly while merging.

If you are driving straight and have people lining up for a merge, you should quickly check your back and side to see how much traffic is there in case you have to turn. Match the speed with merging traffic if possible to allow incoming traffic to smoothly enter. If a car is directly on your side, either slow down or speed up depending on the situation to keep yourself safe.

If you are travelling in the continuing lane while another vehicle is preparing to merge, remain aware of the merging traffic and maintain a safe speed and distance. Where possible, allowing a suitable gap can make the merge smoother, but drivers should avoid sudden braking or acceleration that could create a hazard for vehicles behind them.

Common Road Marking Mistakes in Pakistan

Many road-marking violations occur because drivers either overlook the markings or do not fully understand what they require. Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Changing lanes without indicating
• Crossing solid lane dividers
• Cutting across multiple lanes before an intersection
• Overtaking across a solid center line
• Waiting on zebra crossings
• Blocking intersections
• Driving through hatched areas, especially on toll plazas
• Using shoulders as regular lanes, especially during overtaking
• Entering a lane that is already ending without preparing to merge
• Ignoring lane arrows
• Parking on yellow restrictions
• Treating a broken line as an automatic right to cross

Road Markings in Pakistan: What Drivers Should Know

There are some important points that every Pakistani driver must know when it comes to road markings in Pakistan. These include:

• Faded Road Markings: Road markings are often faded in Pakistan due to neglect and lack of maintenance. Drivers must always try to follow the right driving etiquette to the best of their knowledge.
• Poorly Maintained Roads:  Similar to faded road markings, the roads themselves are broken, filled with potholes, or just left unfinished for years in Pakistan. In such cases, the road markers will not be visible at all.
• Inconsistent Road Markings:  Quite often, you will find inconsistent road markings or markings that do not belong in a place. Always drive based on your best judgment and try to follow the rules according to the correct road markers.
• Lane Discipline: Lane discipline is a rare occurrence in Pakistan, with most drivers driving completely oblivious to any sort of it. You will often see cars driving in the middle of the road, not maintaining a safe distance from vehicles, and completely ignoring all road markers. Motorcycles will be zigzagging between vehicles on main highways, and everyone will remember to make a turn at the last second, thus cutting into other lanes without any sense whatsoever. In many situations, drivers will drive on road shoulders to avoid traffic in the main lanes. Every one of these is a serious hazard on the road and can cause accidents and trouble for people who are actually following road discipline.
• Road Markings and Road Signs Together: Road markings, road signs and traffic signals work together to regulate traffic. Drivers should consider all applicable signs, markings and signals rather than interpreting a single marking in isolation. If a traffic officer gives a direction, drivers must follow that direction in accordance with the applicable traffic rules.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the difference between road marking and road sign?

Ans: A road marking is a physical marking on the road itself, such as a line, cross, or an arrow, while a road sign is placed on the side of the road, either on boards or overhead crossings.

What does a broken white line mean?

Ans: A broken white line generally separates lanes where crossing may be permitted when it is safe and otherwise allowed.

What does a solid white line mean?

Ans: A continuous line generally indicates that crossing is restricted. On national highways, drivers are prohibited from crossing single or double unbroken continuous lines except for the circumstances specified in the applicable rules.

What do double yellow lines mean?

Ans: A double yellow line means that it is dangerous to cross the lanes, and it must be avoided at all costs.

Can I cross a broken line?

Ans: A broken line may be crossed when the marking permits it, and the manoeuvre can be completed safely. Drivers should still check mirrors, blind spots, surrounding traffic, and any other applicable restrictions.

What does a solid and broken line together mean?

Ans: Where one line is continuous and the other is broken, the driver-side line determines whether crossing is permitted. Under the National Highways Safety Ordinance, crossings may be permitted when the broken line is nearest to the driver, and the required safety conditions are met.

What does a road edge line mean?

Ans: A road edge line marks the boundary of the carriageway. Drivers should normally remain within the marked carriageway and should not treat the area beyond it as an ordinary traffic lane.

Why should drivers follow road markings?

Ans: Road markings help organize traffic, communicate restrictions and directions, and make the movements of different road users more predictable. Following them correctly helps improve traffic flow and road safety.

Can I park on a yellow line?

Ans: Parking restrictions associated with yellow markings depend on the type and location of the marking and any accompanying signs. Drivers should check the applicable road markings and signs before stopping or parking.

Understanding road markings is an essential part of becoming a safer and more predictable driver. From lane dividers and road edges to stop lines, crossings, and special markings, each serves a purpose in guiding traffic and improving road safety. While markings may vary in condition across Pakistan, drivers should make an effort to recognize, understand, and follow them, while also considering road signs, traffic signals, and surrounding traffic.

Disclaimer: This guide has been prepared with reference to Pakistan’s applicable road-traffic laws and regulations, including the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965, and the National Highways Safety Ordinance, 2000, as well as relevant road-safety rules and standards.