Welcome to British Columbia (Canada) Road Lines & Pavement Markings

Understanding road lines matters; not only to be able to pass pesky tests to get your driver’s license and resultant freedom, but also to, you know, stay out of trouble while you are driving, and get from A to B in one piece.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the road line meanings from a beautiful British Columbia (Canadian) perspective. For similar articles, check out my epic article about the Road Signs of Canada or How to Drive Defensively and Prevent Collisions.

Road Lines Introduction

• Yellow road lines are used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions
• White lines are used to separate traffic moving in the same direction

Yellow Road Lines Separate Traffic Moving in Opposite Directions

White Road Lines Separate Traffic Moving in the Same Direction

White lines – separating traffic traveling in the same direction – can be found on:

• One-way streets
• Freeways
• Highways
• HOV Lanes
• Multi-lane roads

The Yellow Road Line Should Always Be To Your Left

This is a generalization of course. But it’s true, that unless you are passing, or crossing this line to turn left, it should be to the left of you.

That’s how you know you’re on the “right” side of the road. Literally.

This Jeep here (pictured below) is totally on the wrong side of the road. But hey let’s look at the bright side, at least it stopped at the red light; that does count for something if you ask me.

White Road Lines – Broken/Dashed

Awe, broken lines? We’re all a little broken, aren’t we? Oh never mind, I will speak for myself…

Broken, also known as dashed or dotted white road lines, mean that you’re allowed to change lanes when it’s safe.

White Road Lines – Solid White Lines

Solid white road lines simply mean: Do not change lanes. As a reminder, white lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.

Changing lanes in the middle or before an intersection is dangerous, so these lines are here discouraging the action. And since you’re wondering, changing lanes in an intersection is not technically illegal in British Columbia because there is no law written against it; but of course, that’s no good reason to do it.

White Lines – Speed Reduction Markings (also known as Optical Speed Bars)

Question: What are those short white lines drawn perpendicular to the yellow line on the road?

Speed reduction markings are situated across lanes on the road; stripes are spaced at gradually decreasing distances. The idea for using them is to increase drivers’ perception of speed. The goal is to get drivers to reduce their speed.

As the spacing between the bars gradually narrows, drivers sense they have increased speed. This – in theory – will cause them to slow down to keep the same time between each set of bars.

Yellow Road Lines – Single Solid Line

If you’re driving on a highway or road and you have only one solid yellow line, you are allowed to pass another vehicle at your discretion.

A lot of people seem to think passing isn’t allowed, but it’s technically allowed over one solid line. You can also turn left across this line into a driveway, lane, parking lot, or somewhere else.

Yellow Road Lines – Broken/Dashed Lines

Passing is allowed over these broken yellow lines.

Yellow Solid Road Lines – Double Solid Yellow Lines

Double solid yellow road lines are where it is positively illegal to pass another vehicle.

Yellow Road Lines – Solid Yellow Road Line With a Broken Yellow Road Line

If the solid road line is closest to you, it is illegal for you to pass

Yellow Road Lines – Double Yellow Broken Road Lines

A lane surrounded by yellow broken lines is reversible.

Drivers must watch for overhead signals to determine direction. These are a bit less common than the other types of road lines.

Lane Control Signals

Here are the lane control signals that go together with the reversible lane, almost like wine and cheese. They will be posted above the reversible lane.

Two-Way Left Turn Lane

This is another somewhat uncommon lane. It’s a shared left-turning lane. So, drivers in both directions can use this lane to turn left.

White Stopping Lines

This is commonly seen at crosswalks and at stop signs, reminding drivers to stop. It may or may not always have a stop sign with it, but it means stop nonetheless.

Pavement Markings – Crosswalks

There are several different designs for crosswalks. In any case, drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Pavement Markings For Turns

These pavement markings mean that you must go in the direction of the arrow.

Since these are pavement markings, sometimes you can’t see them because, well, there are vehicles stopped on top of them. This happens when waiting for a red light, for example.

In that case, you can look above you or around you for the equally informative lane use signs; which, let’s be honest, you kinda should be looking for anyways.

Pavement Markings – Painted Island

We are not supposed to drive on painted islands.

Reserved Lanes (HOV – High Occupancy Vehicle)

HOV or high occupancy vehicles can use these lanes, as well as buses, motorcycles, and cyclists; some lanes even allow electric vehicles. Check for signs and markings that let drivers know who can use the lane, and when.

General cars aren’t allowed in the lane unless there is a sign indicating the times.

Bicycle Lanes

Bikes must travel in the same direction as the vehicles on their side of the road.

Pavement Markings – Pop Quiz

How Can Pavement Markings indicate that you are driving in the right direction?

Pop Quiz! If you are driving on this one-way ramp and you see these lines, which direction should the car be going? Is it traveling toward us or away from us? 

If you guessed this way, then you’re correct

Remember that the yellow road line should be on your left. If the yellow line is on your right, then you’re on the wrong side of the road.

This is how pavement markings can indicate that you are driving in the right direction.

Lines on Private Property

Please note that on private property these guidelines may differ. For example, there might be a white line separating traffic moving in opposite directions (normally we would expect a yellow line for this).