Road markings

Understanding road markings is a critical part of driving, as they do differ between countries. They often provide information without the need for additional signage, so form an extension to the road signage regulations.

We've put this guide together to show what you are most likely to encounter whilst driving on French roads. In some locations, markings have additional textured features to act as an audible warning, particularly with markings along the edge of the carriageway.

Lane markings

		Guide lines Regular road markings, indicating the centre of the road on a single-carriageway route or the divide between lanes on a one-way or dual carriageway road. Overtaking is permitted. The length of lines (and the gap between them) may be doubled on faster roads.
		Deterrent line These lines are longer and closer together. They denote that it is unsafe to overtake a vehicle travelling at the speed limit due to dangers in the road (such as a bend), although it may be safe to overtake a slow-moving vehicle. It is also used before the start of a solid line. On dual carriageways and motorways, these lines indicate that it is too late to move over from the left-hand lane if intending to leave at an exit.
		Solid line You must not cross or straddle this line at any time, except to overtake a cyclist on roads with a speed limit greater than 50km/h. This is the equivalent to the UK's double white lines.
		Solid line with guide line Overtaking is only permitted on the side of the where the line is closest to the driver. In this instance, traffic travelling from left to right can overtake, but not in the opposite direction as the solid line is closest to the driver.
		Solid line with deterrent line Permitted overtaking in one direction is about to end. Traffic should not attempt to commence overtaking at this point as they will not complete the move before the dashed line ends. These markings are supplemented by kicker arrows reminding traffic to keep right.
		Central median strip On some single carriageway roads, a central median strip may be created to physically separate the directions of traffic in the same manner as a standard central reservation. A solid line is painted on either side of the median to enforce that overtaking is prohibited.
		Temporary lines Road layouts through roadworks are denoted by the presence of yellow lines.

Roadside lines

		Bande d'urgence The emergency stopping lane (hard shoulder) is indicated by the present of long dashed lines on the nearside of the carriageway.
		Ligne de rive de chaussée Where there is no emergency stopping lane, the edge of the road is indicated by shorter dashed lines, but at more frequent intervals when compared with guide lines. There is often no space to pull off the carriageway in the event of an emergency.
		Entry / exit line Line denoting a slip road entering or exiting the carriageway. This line is also used to denote the end of a lane where traffic needs to merge into an adjacent lane instead.

Other carriageway markings

		Crossing points Traffic must give way to pedestrians wishing to cross at a marked crossing point. It is an offence to park or obstruct a crossing point.
		Bus stop Denoted by a yellow zig zag line with horizontal bars at either end
		Bus lane Dedicated bus lanes are indicated on the ground by longer dashed lines. Where they cross an intersection, the lane is marked by a chequerboard - this is the only point in which general traffic can cross the bus lane. On some roads, bus lanes may operate against the general flow of traffic.

		Continuous stop line Denotes the requirement to stop and give way to traffic on a priority road.
		Dashed stop line Denotes the requirement to give way to traffic on a priority road, and is accompanied by the inverted triangle symbol on the road. This line (without the triangle) is also used at traffic signals to denote the point where vehicles should not pass if a red signal is displayed.