Road Markings You Must Understand Before Driving!

Road markings are signs on the road surface or above the road surface that function to direct traffic flow and limit areas of traffic interest. The existence of these markings is not just asphalt decoration, but legal instruments that have regulatory power based on the Minister of Transportation Regulation Number 67 of 2018. Understanding the meaning of every line and color is crucial to maintaining driving safety and avoiding traffic violation sanctions.

Types of Road Markings Based on Shape and Function

Every road marking shape has different logical consequences for drivers. Here are the main classifications often found on Indonesian highways:

1. Solid Longitudinal Markings (Unbroken Line)

A solid longitudinal marking functions as a prohibition for vehicles to cross that line. This line is usually placed in the middle of the road on curves, bridges, or other dangerous areas.

• Prohibits overtaking other vehicles.
• Limits traffic lanes so vehicles stay in their tracks.
• Marks road edge areas that vehicles must not pass.

2. Broken Longitudinal Markings (Dashed Line)

A broken longitudinal marking is a lane divider that permits drivers to change lanes or overtake other vehicles. Drivers must still pay attention to traffic conditions from the opposite direction before deciding to switch lanes.

• Directs traffic in the proper lane.
• Allows vehicles to cross the line if conditions are safe.
• Provides navigation flexibility on straight roads with open visibility.

3. Broken Lines Next to a Solid Line

Broken lines adjacent to a solid line indicate different rules for each side of the road. If your side is near the broken line, you are allowed to overtake. Conversely, if your position is on the solid line side, you are strictly prohibited from crossing that line.

Meaning of Road Marking Colors in Indonesia

The color of road markings determines the road status and the authority managing that lane.

A yellow marking on the roadside without a break means stopping or parking is prohibited along that area. Violation of this yellow marking is often the main target of illegal parking raids by the Transportation Agency.

Chevron and Transverse Markings

Besides longitudinal lines, there are markings that regulate movement at intersections or transition areas.

Chevron Markings (Serong)

Chevron markings function to declare road surface areas that are not vehicle traffic lanes. You will often find these markings at toll road divergence points or rest area entrances.

• Prevents collisions at road branching points.
• Marks flow separation areas that must not be stepped on by vehicle tires.

Transverse Markings (Stop Line)

A stop line is a transverse marking that determines the vehicle stopping limit at a red light or stop sign.

• Protects pedestrian rights at zebra crosses.
• Avoids vehicles entering the center of the intersection which can lock traffic flow.

It is important for you to understand other traffic signs so that navigation understanding on the highway becomes whole and comprehensive.

Connection of Road Markings to Driving Safety

Compliance with road markings reduces the risk of fatal accidents by up to 40% on intercity lanes. Accidents often occur because drivers force overtaking on solid lines at sharp turns, where there are vehicle blind spots blocking the view of vehicles from the opposite direction.

Additionally, in big cities like Jakarta, road markings also work alongside Jakarta odd-even rules to regulate vehicle volume. Failure to read markings and signs can lead to electronic tickets (ETLE) detected via your vehicle license plate codes.

Drive Safer with Chery

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) features on Chery cars work by reading road markings in real-time. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology embedded in the Chery TIGGO 8 CSH series uses high-resolution cameras to detect white or yellow lines on the asphalt.

• Automatic Warning: The steering wheel will vibrate or give a sound warning if the car moves out of the road markings without a turn signal.
• Steering Correction: The LKA system will provide smooth steering input to keep the car in the center of the correct lane.
• Maximum Safety: This feature is very effective in preventing accidents due to drowsiness or distraction when driving on monotonous toll roads.

With this technology, compliance with road markings no longer relies solely on human focus, but is supported by an intelligent system that keeps you and your family safe.

Conclusion

Understanding road markings is a basic obligation for every driver's license holder to ensure order and safety in public spaces. Solid lines mean prohibition, broken lines mean permission with caution, and yellow markings indicate national roads.

Want to experience safer driving with the most advanced road marking detection technology?

Schedule a Chery Test Drive Now or visit the nearest Chery dealer to try our active safety features directly.