Pavement Markings

Pavement markings, like highway signs, are used to warn and direct drivers and to regulate traffic.

Stop Lines

A 4-way intersection with 4 stop signs, crosswalks and a stop line at each right-side lane

Stop lines are white lines painted across the pavement at intersections indicating the point beyond which your vehicle should not cross if you are stopping for a traffic control device. In urban areas, the line is usually located about four feet before the crosswalk. Drivers must come to a complete stop at the stop line, when present, not at the actual stop sign or traffic signal.

Crosswalk Lines

These white lines are painted across, or partially across the pavement. Sometimes they will be painted in a ladder pattern. When pedestrians are in the crosswalks, they have the right-of-way over motor vehicles. Crosswalks are sometimes in the middle of a block in residential areas, and in some cases, a pedestrian crossing signal is located at the white line.

Railroad Crossings

A railroad crossing over a two-way street

When a road is crossed by a railroad crossing, the pavement is usually marked with a large X and two R's. At railroad crossings, a yellow line is always placed on the right side of the center line to prevent passing. The crossing is sometimes equipped with control arms and/or emergency lights, to warn drivers of approaching trains. The driver of the vehicle must stop if warning signals indicate a train is approaching.

Center Lines

A two-way street with yellow center lines, one solid and one dashed

These are used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions on paved roadways. Broken yellow lines are used when there are only two lanes and it is safe to pass in either direction.

No Passing Lines

Single Lines

These single, solid yellow lines on two-lane roads indicate zones where passing is prohibited. They will be located on the right of the broken yellow line when they apply to the lane in which you are traveling. In some instances, both yellow lines will be solid, indicating it is not safe for passing in either direction.

Double White Lines

These are double white line (dashed or solid) pavement markings on roadways that indicate where vehicles can or cannot cross to access the adjacent lane. When the double white lines are dashed, vehicles are allowed to cross over to the adjacent lane. When the double white lines are solid, lane changes are prohibited.

Edge Lines

A 4-lane, 2-way highway with a green median strip. The edge lines between the opposite directional lanes are solid yellow. The center lines between the same directional lanes are white solid and white dashed.

These are the solid white lines along the side of the pavement. They serve as safety guides, especially at night when it is difficult to see the edge of the road. A yellow edge line may be used on the left side to warn of narrow or raised medians.

Lane Lines

These are the white dashes that mark the individual lanes of travel on streets and highways having more than one lane for traffic moving in the same direction.

When there are four or more lanes with traffic moving in opposite directions, two solid yellow lines mark the center of the roadway. You may cross these lines only to make a left turn into or from an alley, private road, driveway, or another street. When traveling on a multi-lane road, stay in the right lane except to pass other vehicles traveling in the same direction

Traffic Striping

Diagonal yellow lines mark the road coming to an end, and cars use this lane to turn left

These markings, created by diagonal yellow lines, are on streets and highways indicating that the road is narrowing or there is an obstruction on the roadway. The area is similar to a triangle with solid yellow diagonal lines within the outside lines. Always keep to the right of these markings.

Turn Lanes

Drivers use a turn lane to prepare for a left turn

These lanes, bordered by solid yellow and/or broken yellow lines, is in the center of many streets and highways to make left turns. A motorist desiring to turn left should proceed to the turn lane just prior to making a left turn. Georgia law prohibits the use of this lane for any purpose other than making a left turn. You may enter this lane no more than 300 feet from the location of the left turn.

When a turning lane is provided for vehicles traveling in both directions, you should use extreme caution before entering the turning lane to make a left turn. There may be a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction also entering the turning lane to make a left turn. This is especially problematic in congested areas.

Bicycle Lanes

These are solid white lines typically located between the farthest right traffic lane and the curb or edge of the roadway. If there is a right-turn-only lane present, the bicycle lane will be located to the left of the right-turn-only lane in order to safely accommodate bicycles traveling straight through the intersection. Bicycle lanes may also be marked with painted symbols of a bicycle. Drivers of motor vehicles are prohibited from driving or parking in the bicycle lane, except to cross over it to make a turn. When crossing over a bicycle lane to make a turn, motorists must yield to bicyclists that are present.

Roundabouts

Navigating a roundabout

Roundabouts are sometimes used at intersections instead of stop signs. The purpose of a roundabout is to allow the intersection to handle heavier traffic flow without the need for a signal or a four-way stop. When entering a roundabout, traffic laws concerning right-of-way still apply. You must yield to other traffic that is already in the roundabout. You will always enter a roundabout to the right, and continue circling until you have reached the roadway onto which you want to turn. When reaching the desired road, you will always exit to the right.

Pedestrians
  1. Approach: At the pedestrian crosswalk, look to make sure cars stop for you. Use pedestrian crossing signal if available.
  2. Cross: Cross to the pedestrian refuge. Look to make sure cars stop for you. Finish crossing to the opposite sidewalk. Never cross to the center island.
Cyclists

Experienced cyclists may navigate roundabouts like motorists. Do not hug the curb. Ride in the middle of the lane to prevent vehicles from passing you. Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Children or cyclists who are not comfortable entering the flow of traffic should walk their cycles and act as pedestrians.

Navigating a Single Lane Roundabout
Simplified graphic of a single lane roundabout
Single Lane Roundabout
Motorists
  1. Approach: Slow down to the posted advisory speed. Stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk; they have the right of way.
  2. Enter: When entering the roundabout, yield to all circulating vehicles. Wait for a gap and then merge into traffic in the roundabout. Traffic in a roundabout always circulates counterclockwise.
  3. Proceed: Continue circling through the roundabout until you reach the roadway onto which you want to turn.
  4. Exit: Signal, then bear right to exit the roundabout. Slop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Navigating a Multilane Roundabout
Multi-lane roundabout with yield signs and crosswalks
Multilane Roundabout
Motorists
  1. Approach: Follow the lane use signs & pavement marking arrows. Get into the correct lane before entering the roundabout. Slow down to the posted advisory speed. Stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk; they have the right of way.
  2. Enter: When entering the roundabout, yield to all circulating vehicles in both lanes. Wait for a gap and then merge into traffic in the roundabout. Traffic in a roundabout always circulates counterclockwise. Maintain your lane as you enter the roundabout.
  3. Proceed: Continue circling through the roundabout until you reach the roadway onto which you want to turn. Do not change lanes in the roundabout.
  4. Exit: Signal, then bear right to exit the roundabout. Stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

*Please note that these roundabout diagrams are examples only and do not represent all roundabout designs.