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Chapter 3B. Pavement and Curb Markings

Section 3B.16 Stop and Yield Lines

Standard:
If used, stop lines shall consist of solid white lines extending across approach lanes to indicate the point at which the stop is intended or required to be made.

If used, yield lines (see Figure 3B-14) shall consist of a row of solid white isosceles triangles pointing toward approaching vehicles extending across approach lanes to indicate the point at which the yield is intended or required to be made.

Figure 3B-14 Examples of Yield Line Layouts

Guidance:
Stop lines should be 300 to 600 mm (12 to 24 in) wide.

Stop lines should be used to indicate the point behind which vehicles are required to stop, in compliance with a STOP (R1-1) sign, traffic control signal, or some other traffic control device, except YIELD signs.

The individual triangles comprising the yield line should have a base of 300 to 600 mm (12 to 24 in) wide and a height equal to 1.5 times the base. The space between the triangles should be 75 to 300 mm (3 to 12 in).

Option:
Yield lines may be used to indicate the point behind which vehicles are required to yield in compliance with a YIELD (R1-2) sign or a Yield Here to Pedestrians (R1-5 or R1-5a) sign.

Guidance:
If used, stop and yield lines should be placed a minimum of 1.2 m (4 ft) in advance of the nearest crosswalk line at controlled intersections, except for yield lines at roundabout intersections as provided for in Section 3B.24 and at midblock crosswalks. In the absence of a marked crosswalk, the stop line or yield line should be placed at the desired stopping or yielding point, but should be placed no more than 9 m (30 ft) nor less than 1.2 m (4 ft) from the nearest edge of the intersecting traveled way. Stop lines should be placed to allow sufficient sight distance to all other approaches to an intersection.

If used at an unsignalized midblock crosswalk, yield lines should be placed adjacent to the Yield Here to Pedestrians sign located 6.1 to 15 m (20 to 50 ft) in advance of the nearest crosswalk line, and parking should be prohibited in the area between the yield line and the crosswalk (see Figure 3B-15).

Figure 3B-15 Examples of Yield Lines at Unsignalized Midblock Crosswalks

Stop lines at midblock signalized locations should be placed at least 12 m (40 ft) in advance of the nearest signal indication (see Section 4D.15).

Support:
Drivers who yield too close to crosswalks on multi-lane approaches place pedestrians at risk by blocking other drivers' views of pedestrians.

Section 3B.17 Crosswalk Markings

Support:
Crosswalk markings provide guidance for pedestrians who are crossing roadways by defining and delineating paths on approaches to and within signalized intersections, and on approaches to other intersections where traffic stops.

Crosswalk markings also serve to alert road users of a pedestrian crossing point across roadways not controlled by highway traffic signals or STOP signs.

At nonintersection locations, crosswalk markings legally establish the crosswalk.

Standard:
When crosswalk lines are used, they shall consist of solid white lines that mark the crosswalk. They shall be not less than 150 mm (6 in) nor greater than 600 mm (24 in) in width.

Guidance:
If transverse lines are used to mark a crosswalk, the gap between the lines should not be less than 1.8 m (6 ft). If diagonal or longitudinal lines are used without transverse lines to mark a crosswalk, the crosswalk should not be less than 1.8 m (6 ft) wide.

Crosswalk lines, if used on both sides of the crosswalk, should extend across the full width of pavement or to the edge of the intersecting crosswalk to discourage diagonal walking between crosswalks (see Figures 3B-15 and 3B-16).

Figure 3B-16 Examples of Crosswalk Markings

Crosswalks should be marked at all intersections where there is substantial conflict between vehicular and pedestrian movements.

Marked crosswalks also should be provided at other appropriate points of pedestrian concentration, such as at loading islands, midblock pedestrian crossings, or where pedestrians could not otherwise recognize the proper place to cross.

Crosswalk lines should not be used indiscriminately. An engineering study should be performed before they are installed at locations away from highway traffic signals or STOP signs.

Because nonintersection pedestrian crossings are generally unexpected by the road user, warning signs (see Section 2C.41) should be installed and adequate visibility should be provided by parking prohibitions.

Support:
Section 3B.16 contains information regarding placement of stop line markings near crosswalk markings.

Option:
For added visibility, the area of the crosswalk may be marked with white diagonal lines at a 45-degree angle to the line of the crosswalk or with white longitudinal lines parallel to traffic flow as shown in Figure 3B-16.

When diagonal or longitudinal lines are used to mark a crosswalk, the transverse crosswalk lines may be omitted. This type of marking may be used at locations where substantial numbers of pedestrians cross without any other traffic control device, at locations where physical conditions are such that added visibility of the crosswalk is desired, or at places where a pedestrian crosswalk might not be expected.

Guidance:
If used, the diagonal or longitudinal lines should be 300 to 600 mm (12 to 24 in) wide and spaced 300 to 1500 mm (12 to 60 in) apart. The marking design should avoid the wheel paths, and the spacing should not exceed 2.5 times the line width.

Option:
When an exclusive pedestrian phase that permits diagonal crossing is provided at a traffic control signal, a marking as shown in Figure 3B-17 may be used for the crosswalk.

Figure 3B-17 Example of Crosswalk Markings for Exclusive Pedestrian Phase That Permits Diagonal Crossing

Section 3B.18 Parking Space Markings

Support:
Marking of parking space boundaries encourages more orderly and efficient use of parking spaces where parking turnover is substantial. Parking space markings tend to prevent encroachment into fire hydrant zones, bus stops, loading zones, approaches to intersections, curb ramps, and clearance spaces for islands and other zones where parking is restricted. Examples of parking space markings are shown in Figure 3B-18.

Figure 3B-18 Examples of Parking Space Markings

Standard:
Parking space markings shall be white.

Option:
Blue lines may supplement white parking space markings of each parking space designated for use only by persons with disabilities.

Support:
Additional parking space markings for the purpose of designating spaces for use only by persons with disabilities are discussed in Section 3B.19 and illustrated in Figure 3B-19.

Figure 3B-19 International Symbol of Accessibility Parking Space Marking with Blue Background and White Border Options

Section 3B.19 Pavement Word and Symbol Markings

Support:
Word and symbol markings on the pavement are used for the purpose of guiding, warning, or regulating traffic. Symbol messages are preferable to word messages. Examples of standard word and arrow pavement markings are shown in Figures 3B-20 and 3B-21.

Figure 3B-20 Example of Elongated Letters for Word Pavement Markings

Figure 3B-21 Examples of Standard Arrows for Pavement Markings

Standard:
Word and symbol markings shall be white, except as otherwise noted in this Section.

Guidance:
Letters and numerals should be 1.8 m (6 ft) or more in height.

Word and symbol markings should not exceed three lines of information.

If a pavement marking word message consists of more than one line of information, it should read in the direction of travel. The first word of the message should be nearest to the road user.

Except for the two opposing arrows of a two-way left-turn lane marking, (see Figure 3B-7), the longitudinal space between word or symbol message markings, including arrow markings, should be at least four times the height of the characters for low-speed roads, but not more than ten times the height of the characters under any conditions.

The number of different word and symbol markings used should be minimized to provide effective guidance and avoid misunderstanding.

Except as noted in the Option, pavement word and symbol markings should be no more than one lane in width.

Option:
The SCHOOL word marking may extend to the width of two approach lanes (see Section 7C.06).

Guidance:
When the SCHOOL word marking is extended to the width of two approach lanes, the characters should be 3m (10 ft) or more in height (see Section 7C.06).

Pavement word and symbol markings should be proportionally scaled to fit within the width of the facility upon which they are applied.

Option:
On narrow, low-speed shared-use paths, the pavement words and symbols may be smaller than suggested, but to the relative scale.

The International Symbol of Accessibility parking space markings may be placed in each parking space designated for use by persons with disabilities. A blue background with white border may supplement the wheelchair symbol as shown in Figure 3B-19.

Standard:
Where through traffic lanes approaching an intersection become mandatory turn lanes, lane-use arrow markings (see Figure 3B-21) shall be used and shall be accompanied by standard signs.

Lane use, lane reduction, and wrong-way arrow markings shall be designed as shown in Figure 3B-21.

Guidance:
Where through lanes become mandatory turn lanes, signs or markings should be repeated as necessary to prevent entrapment and to help the road user select the appropriate lane in advance of reaching a queue of waiting vehicles.

Option:
Lane-use arrow markings (see Figure 3B-21) may be used to convey either guidance or mandatory messages.

The ONLY word marking (see Figure 3B-20) may be used to supplement lane-use arrow markings (see Figure 3B-22).

Figure 3B-22 Examples of Lane Use Control Word and Symbol Markings

In situations where a lane reduction transition occurs, the lane reduction arrow markings shown in Figure 3B-21 may be used.

Guidance:
Where crossroad channelization or ramp geometrics do not make wrong-way movements difficult, a lane-use arrow should be placed in each lane of an exit ramp near the crossroad terminal where it will be clearly visible to a potential wrong-way road user (see Figure 3B-23).

Figure 3B-23 Examples of Arrow Markings at Exit Ramp Terminals

Option:
The wrong-way arrow markings shown in Figure 3B-21 may be placed near the downstream terminus of a ramp as shown in Figures 3B-23 and 3B-24 to indicate the correct direction of traffic flow and to discourage drivers from traveling in the wrong direction.

Figure 3B-24 Examples of Arrow Markings at Entrance Ramp Terminals

A yield-ahead triangle symbol or YIELD AHEAD word pavement marking may be used on approaches to intersections where the approaching traffic will encounter a YIELD sign at the intersection (see Figure 3B-25).

Figure 3B-25 Yield Ahead Triangle Symbols

Support:
Lane-use arrow markings are often used to provide guidance in turn bays (see Figure 3B-22), where turns may or may not be mandatory, and in two-way left-turn lanes (see Figure 3B-7).

Option:
Word and symbol markings may include, but are not limited to, the following. Other words or symbols may also be used under certain conditions.

1. Regulatory:
   1. STOP
   2. RIGHT (LEFT) TURN ONLY
   3. 40 km/h (25 MPH)
   4. Arrow Symbols
2. Warning:
   1. STOP AHEAD
   2. YIELD AHEAD
   3. YIELD AHEAD Triangle Symbol
   4. SCHOOL XING
   5. SIGNAL AHEAD
   6. PED XING
   7. SCHOOL
   8. R X R
   9. BUMP
   10. HUMP
3. Guide:
   1. US 40
   2. STATE 135
   3. ROUTE 40

Standard:
Except at the ends of aisles in parking lots, the word STOP shall not be used on the pavement unless accompanied by a stop line (see Section 3B.16) and STOP sign (see Section 2B.04). At the ends of aisles in parking lots, the word STOP shall not be used on the pavement unless accompanied by a stop line.

The word STOP shall not be placed on the pavement in advance of a stop line, unless every vehicle is required to stop at all times.

The yield-ahead triangle symbol or YIELD AHEAD word pavement marking shall not be used unless a YIELD sign (see Section 2B.08) is in place at the intersection. The yield-ahead symbol marking shall be as shown in Figure 3B-25.

Section 3B.20 Speed Measurement Markings

Support:
A speed measurement marking is a transverse marking placed on the roadway to assist the enforcement of speed regulations.

Standard:
Speed measurement markings, if used, shall be white, and shall not be greater than 600 mm (24 in) in width.

Option:
Speed measurement markings may extend 600 mm (24 in) on either side of the centerline or 600 mm (24 in) on either side of edge line markings at 400 m (0.25 mi) intervals over a 1.6 km (1 mi) length of roadway. When paved shoulders of sufficient width are available, the speed measurements markings may be placed entirely on these shoulders. Advisory signs may be used in conjunction with these markings (see Figure 3B-10).

Section 3B.21 Curb Markings

Support:
Curb markings are most often used to indicate parking regulations or to delineate the curb.

Standard:
Signs shall be used with curb markings in those areas where curb markings are frequently obliterated by snow and ice accumulation unless the no parking zone is controlled by statute or local ordinance.

Where curbs are marked, the colors shall conform to the general principles of markings (see Section 3A.04).

Guidance:
Except as noted in the Option, when curb markings are used without signs to convey parking regulations, a legible word marking regarding the regulation (such as "No Parking" or "No Standing") should be placed on the curb.

Option:
Curb markings without word markings or signs may be used to convey a general prohibition by statute of parking within a specific distance of a STOP sign, driveway, fire hydrant, or crosswalk.

Guidance:
Retroreflective solid yellow markings should be placed on the noses of raised medians and curbs of islands that are located in the line of traffic flow where the curb serves to channel traffic to the right of the obstruction.

Retroreflective solid white markings should be used when traffic may pass on either side of the island.

Option:
Local highway agencies may prescribe special colors for curb markings to supplement standard signs for parking regulation.

Support:
Since yellow and white curb markings are frequently used for curb delineation and visibility, it is advisable to establish parking regulations through the installation of standard signs (see Sections 2B.39 through 2B.41).

Where the curbs of the islands become parallel to the direction of traffic flow, it is not necessary to mark the curbs unless an engineering study indicates the need for this type of delineation.

Curbs at openings in a continuous median island need not be marked unless an engineering study indicates the need for this type of marking.

Section 3B.22 Preferential Lane Word and Symbol Markings

Standard:
When a lane is assigned full or part time to a particular class or classes of vehicles, preferential lane markings shall be used.

Signs or signals shall be used with preferential lane word or symbol markings.

All preferential lane word and symbol markings shall be white.

All preferential lane word and symbol markings shall be positioned laterally in the center of the preferred-use lane.

Support:
Preferential lanes identify a wide variety of special uses, including, but not limited to, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, bicycle lanes, bus only lanes, taxi only lanes, and light rail transit only.

Standard:
Where a preferential lane use is established, the preferential lane shall be marked with one or more of the following symbol or word markings for the preferential lane use specified:

If two or more preferential lane uses are permitted in a single lane, the symbol or word marking for each preferential lane use shall be installed.

Guidance:
Engineering judgment should determine the need for supplemental devices such as tubular markers, traffic cones, or flashing lights.

Support:
The spacing of the markings is an engineering judgment that is based on the prevailing speed, block lengths, distance from intersections, and other factors that affect clear communication to the road user. Markings spaced as close as 24 m (80 ft) apart might be appropriate on City streets, while markings spaced 300 m (1,000 ft) might be appropriate for freeways.

Option:
The vehicle occupancy requirements established for a high-occupancy vehicle lane may be included in sequence after the diamond symbol or HOV word message.

Section 3B.23 Preferential Lane Longitudinal Markings for Motor Vehicles

Standard:
Preferential lane longitudinal markings for motor vehicles shall be marked with the appropriate word or symbol pavement markings in accordance with Section 3B.22.

Support:
Preferential lanes can take many forms depending on the level of usage and the design of the facility. They might be physically separated from the other travel lanes by a barrier, median, or painted neutral area, or they might be concurrent with other travel lanes and be separated only by longitudinal pavement markings. Further, physically separated preferential lanes might operate in the same direction or be reversible.

Option:
Preferential lanes may be operated either full-time (24 hours per day on all days), for extended periods of the day, or part-time (restricted usage during specific hours on specified days).

Standard:
The following four items are presented in tabular form in Table 3B-2:

If there are two or more preferential lanes, the preferential travel lanes shall be separated with a normal broken white line.

Table 3B-2. Standard Edge Line Lane Markings for Preferential Lanes

Type of Preferential Lane	Left Edge Line	Right Edge Line
Physically Separated, Nonreversible	A single normal solid yellow line	A single normal solid white line
Physically Separated, Reversible	A single normal solid white line	A single normal solid white line
Concurrent Flow— Left Side	A single normal solid yellow line	A double solid wide white line where crossing is prohibited (see Figure 3B-26b) A single solid wide white line where crossing is discouraged (see Figure 3B-26c) A single broken wide white line where crossing is permitted (see Figure 3B-26d)
Concurrent Flow— Right Side	A double solid wide white line where crossing is prohibited (see Figure 3B-26e) A single solid wide white line where crossing is discouraged (see Figure 3B-26e) A single broken wide white line where crossing is permitted (see Figure 3B-26e) A single dotted normal white line where crossing is permitted for any vehicle to perform a right-turn maneuver (see Figure 3B-26e)	A single normal solid white line

Figure 3B-26 Examples of Markings for Preferential Lanes (2 Sheets)

   

Guidance:
When concurrent flow preferential lanes and other travel lanes are separated by more than 1.2 m (4 ft), chevron markings should be placed in the neutral area. The chevron spacing should be 30 m (100 ft) or greater.

Option:
For full-time or part-time concurrent flow preferential lanes, the spacing or skip pattern of the single broken wide white line may be reduced. The width of the single broken wide white line may be increased.

Section 3B.24 Markings for Roundabout Intersections

Support:
Roundabout intersections are distinctive circular roadways that have the following three critical characteristics:

1. A requirement to yield at entry which gives a vehicle on the circular roadway the right-of-way;
2. A deflection of the approaching vehicle around the central island; and
3. A flare or widening of the approach to allow for proper operation as needed.

Examples of markings for roundabout intersections are shown in Figures 3B-27 and 3B-28.

Figure 3B-27 Examples of Markings for Roundabout Intersections with One-Lane Approaches

Figure 3B-28 Examples of Markings for Roundabout Intersections with Two-Lane Approaches

Option:
A yellow edge line may be placed around the inner (left) edge of the circular roadway.

Guidance:
A white line should be used on the outer (right) side of the circular roadway as follows: a solid line along the splitter island and a dotted line across the lane(s) entering the roundabout intersection.

Edge line extensions should not be placed across the exits from the circular roadway.

Where crosswalk markings are used, these markings should be located a minimum of 7.6 m (25 ft) upstream from the yield line, or, if none, from the dotted white line.

Option:
Lane lines may be used on the circular roadway if there is more than one lane.

A yield line (see Section 3B.16) may be used to indicate the point behind which vehicles are required to yield at the entrance to a roundabout intersection.

Standard:
Bicycle lane markings shall not be provided on the circular roadway of a roundabout intersection.

Section 3B.25 Markings for Other Circular Intersections

Support:
Other circular intersections include but are not limited to rotaries, traffic circles, and residential traffic calming designs.

Option:
The markings shown in Figures 3B-27 and 3B-28 may be used at other circular intersections when engineering judgment indicates that their presence will benefit drivers or pedestrians.

Section 3B.26 Speed Hump Markings

Standard:
If used, speed hump markings shall be a series of white markings placed on a speed hump to identify its location.

Option:
Speed humps, except those used for crosswalks, may be marked in accordance with Figure 3B-29. The markings shown in Figure 3B-30 may be used where the speed hump also functions as a crosswalk or speed table.

Figure 3B-29 Examples of Pavement Markings for Speed Humps Without Crosswalks

Figure 3B-30 Examples of Pavement Markings for Speed Tables or Speed Humps with Crosswalks

Section 3B.27 Advance Speed Hump Markings

Standard:
If used, advance speed hump markings shall be a special white marking placed in advance of speed humps or other engineered vertical roadway deflections such as dips.

Option:
Advance speed hump markings may be used in advance of an engineered vertical roadway deflection where added visibility is desired or where such deflection is not expected (see Figure 3B-31).

Figure 3B-31 Examples of Advance Warning Markings for Speed Humps

Advance pavement wording such as BUMP or HUMP (see Section 3B.19) may be used on the approach to a speed hump either alone or in conjunction with advance speed hump markings. Appropriate advance warning signs may be used in conformance with Section 2C.24.

Guidance:
If used, advance speed hump markings should be installed in each approach lane.

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