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Road Markings, Traffic Lights and Hand Signals in India
Road markings and signals are as binding as road signs. A solid line must not be crossed to overtake, a broken line may be crossed when safe, and you must never stop in a yellow box. On red, stop before the stop line; flashing red means treat it as a STOP sign, and flashing amber means slow down and go with care. If your indicators don't work, use the four hand signals in the Driving Regulations, 2017.
- Solid line
- Don't cross to overtake
- Yellow box
- Never stop in it
- Flashing red
- Treat as STOP
- Flashing amber
- Slow down, go with care
- Law
- Driving Regulations, 2017
What do road markings mean?
Lines along the road
| Marking | What you must do |
|---|---|
| Broken centre line | Keep to your side; you may cross to overtake when it is safe. |
| Solid (single or double) centre line | Do not cross or straddle it to overtake; don't drive on it except to avoid an obstruction. |
| Broken line beside a solid line | You may cross only from the broken side, when safe, and return to your lane. |
| Lane lines | Drive within your lane and signal before changing lanes. |
| Lane marked for a vehicle type (such as a bus lane) | Only that type of vehicle may use it. |
| Edge line | Marks the edge of the carriageway that is safe to drive on. |
Lines across the road
| Marking | What you must do |
|---|---|
| Stop line (single solid line) | Stop behind it on red, at a STOP sign or when a police officer signals. |
| Give way line (usually double dotted) | Give way to traffic on the road ahead, often with a Give Way sign. |
| Zebra crossing (black and white stripes) | Slow down, stop and give way to pedestrians; don't stop on it. |
Yellow restriction markings
| Marking | What you must do |
|---|---|
| Continuous yellow line along the kerb | No parking. |
| Yellow box with crossed lines | Never stop inside it; enter only if your exit beyond it is clear. |
What does each traffic light mean?
YouSignalDecision
- The light changes from green to amber
- Are you too close to stop safely, or already past the line?No: stop before the stop line
- Go through with care
- On red, the next vehicles stop before the line
| Light | What you must do |
|---|---|
| Red | Stop before the stop line. If there is no line, stop before the pedestrian crossing; if none, before the signal. |
| Flashing red | Treat it as a STOP sign: stop, then go after giving way to pedestrians and traffic on the main road. |
| Red, turning left | Allowed after giving way, unless a sign or signal forbids it. |
| Amber | Stop before the stop line, unless you have already crossed it or are too close to stop safely. |
| Flashing amber | Slow down and go with care after giving way. |
| Green | Go only if the way ahead is clear; give way to pedestrians and vehicles already in the junction. |
| Green arrow | Move only in the direction of the arrow. |
| Flashing green arrow | Turn in the arrow's direction after giving way to pedestrians. |
Pedestrian lights: a steady red figure means don't step onto the road; a flashing figure means finish crossing quickly and don't start; a green figure means cross with care.
What are the driver hand signals?
Use hand signals only when your vehicle has no indicators or they are not working. The Driving Regulations, 2017 give four, all with the right arm:
| Meaning | Signal |
|---|---|
| I am stopping | Right forearm raised upright outside the window, palm facing right |
| I am turning or moving right | Right arm stretched straight out, palm facing forward |
| I am turning or moving left | Right arm stretched out and rotated anti-clockwise |
| You may overtake me | Right arm stretched out and swung backwards and forwards in a semicircle |
Don't use your right indicator to wave someone past: the regulations forbid it.
Do you have to follow a police officer's signals?
Yes. Slow down and obey a uniformed police officer or other authorised person directing traffic. When told to stop, stop at the stop line, crossing or junction and wait for the signal to go. Their directions override signs and lights.
See also road signs, traffic rules, and practise with the animated test.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cross a solid white or yellow line?
Not to overtake, and don't drive on it except to avoid an obstruction.
What does flashing amber mean?
Slow down and go with care after giving way.
What does flashing red mean?
Treat it as a STOP sign: stop, then go when it is safe.
Can I turn left on red?
Yes, after giving way, unless a sign or signal forbids it. Check for local signs.
What does a yellow line along the kerb mean?
No parking.
Is there a hand signal for slowing down?
No. The regulations list four hand signals: stop, right, left, and you may overtake.
Sources
- Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017 (G.S.R. 634(E)), as reproduced in Kerala Police circular 15/2018: regs. 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 22, 24 and 39 (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- Howrah Rural Police (Government of West Bengal) – road markings and signals (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
- Delhi Traffic Police – road markings (accessed 25 Oct 2026)
Page history: 25 Oct 2026: first published.