The UK's most confusing road markings
How to navigate the UK’s most confusing road markings and avoid fines
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Road markings are designed to give clear instruction and enhance road safety, and thankfully, they usually do.
However, we all have our blind spots, and there are a few road markings that stand out as obscure or confusing for many drivers.
The last thing any of us want is an accident or a fine, so it’s important to dust off the driving theory textbook and fill in the blanks.
Don’t worry, not literally. We've looked into the UK’s most confusing road markings for you.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, has added insights from someone who spends many hours on the road to ensure you don’t get caught out behind the wheel of your used Volkswagen.
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Yellow box junctions
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Starting off with a common cause of confusion, yellow box junctions are designed to keep the flow of traffic moving at busy junctions. They’re marked with criss-cross yellow lines forming a box in the middle of the junction.
The rule is simple: you can only enter the box when your exit is clear or if you're turning right and your turn is obstructed by oncoming traffic (or if you're queuing behind other vehicles waiting to turn right). The idea is to prevent gridlock caused by cars straddling the junction and stopping the flow of traffic.
If you’re stationary in a yellow box (unless turning right), obstructing intersecting traffic, you could be hit with a fine of around £130.
Sam knows that yellow box junctions can be tricky: “It can sometimes be hard to judge whether your exit is clear before entering, which is when most people are caught out at yellow box junctions.
“Your best bet is to play it safe and only enter the box when you can see that there’s space on the other side.”
Double red lines
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Double red lines, usually found in London and other major cities, indicate a ‘red route’.
Red routes are designed to reduce congestion and help traffic flow smoothly, and the rules are even stricter than those for double yellow lines.
Double red lines mean no stopping at any time, not even for loading or unloading, except for designated bays.
Many drivers, particularly those from outside urban areas, might not know what double red lines mean. The rules they enforce are worth keeping in mind because you could be fined up to £160 if you stop when you’re not supposed to.
Advisory cycle lanes
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Mandatory cycle lanes have solid white lines and other vehicles are not allowed to enter them in any circumstance.
However, the less common advisory cycle lane is marked with broken white lines and can be crossed by other vehicles, if it’s safe to do so.
This can be a bit confusing because the difference between advisory and mandatory isn’t always clear – especially if you don’t see cycle lanes often.
It’s important to remember that drivers need to give priority to cyclists at advisory cycle lanes. They’re a safety measure, so always check carefully before crossing the broken white lines.
Zigzag lines
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Zigzag lines are commonly found near pedestrian crossings (white zigzag lines) and at the edges of school zones (yellow zigzag lines).
They indicate areas where vehicles shouldn’t stop, ensuring a clear view for both drivers and pedestrians.
Sam explains that the challenge with zigzag lines is their location: “Not everyone realises that zigzag lines mean no stopping whatsoever (not just ‘no parking’), which can lead to people getting caught out.
“And you definitely don’t want to get caught out, as it could result in a £100 fine and three points on your licence.”
Shared space areas
An increasingly popular trend in urban planning is ‘shared spaces’, where the lines between roads and pedestrian areas are slightly blurred – literally.
This results in fewer markings and curbs, with the hope of encouraging drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to be more considerate of each other.
However, this can sometimes be confusing, as drivers may be unsure whether they’re in a pedestrian zone or where the road ends and the path or pavement begins.
The best way to navigate these shared space areas as a driver is to slow down and be hyper-vigilant. Make sure you’re following the rules of the road, giving priority to pedestrians, staying alert and checking your blind spots.
Roundabouts
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Roundabouts are a common feature on our roads but can catch out even the most experienced drivers. Have you ever tried to find your way around the Magic Roundabout in Swindon, for instance?
“Made up of five smaller roundabouts, it can be a head-scratcher for first-time visitors to the area. It's a clever design that has shown to speed up the movement of traffic, but drivers may find it slightly confusing at first,” Sam explains.
The Douglas ‘oval roundabout’ in the Isle of Man is another example of a confusing roundabout. Instead of an island or white-painted dome in the middle, it has three, solid white ovals.
While a Department of Infrastructure spokesperson said the traffic-calming design should be "driven in the same way as any other roundabout" soon after its completion, it’s definitely unusual and not something you see often, so it could trip up anyone if they’re not prepared.
Sam says, “Look at this one from a bird’s-eye view and you’d struggle to grasp what’s going on, let alone when you’re coming up to it from road-level.”
Confusing road markings
Understanding road markings is crucial for safe driving and avoiding unnecessary fines, but some can cause confusion - especially if it's been a while since you passed your test.
By refreshing your knowledge on these road signs, you can hopefully avoid common pitfalls.
And, as always, stay alert and refer to the Highway Code if you’re unsure.