Knowing the difference between Yellow Road Lines and White Road Lines in British Columbia

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Yellow Road Lines - Divide traffic moving in opposite directions. If there is a yellow line to your left, there will be traffic coming towards you on the other side of that yellow line.

Single Broken Yellow Line

This line means passing is allowed by drivers in lanes travelling in either direction, when safe.

Broken Line And Solid Yellow Line

This line means that if the broken line is on your side of the road you may pass when it's safe. The drivers on the opposite side of the road with the solid yellow line are not allowed to pass.

Single Solid Yellow Line

This line means that passing is allowed in both directions with extra caution. You may need to cross over this line to make a left turn.

Double Solid Yellow Line

This line means no passing is allowed in either direction. It’s illegal to pass on a double solid yellow line.

Two-Way Left Turn Lane

These lanes are used by drivers travelling in opposite directions. These lanes are generally in heavy traffic areas where it's not suited to slow traffic on the roadway. These lanes are shared by drivers travelling in opposite directions. These lanes are not intended to drive in, drivers should move-in to these lanes as close to where they plan on turning.

* Make sure you don’t use these lanes when you’re turning onto the road from a side street.

Painted Island

You always want to keep to the right of these yellow islands, and never drive on or over the island.

White Lines- are used to separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. White lines also mark crosswalks, stopping positions and the right shoulders of highways.

Single Solid White Line

This line means lane changes are not allowed by drivers. It’s illegal to lane change over a solid white line. You can cross over these lines when entering or exiting a roadway. For example, leaving or entering a business, driveway, or gas station.

Single Broken White Line

This line means lane changing is allowed by drivers when it's safe.

White Stop Line

This solid thick white line is often seen just before a pedestrian crosswalk and before a stop sign for drivers to stop before this line.

Pedestrian Crosswalk

You must stop before the crosswalk if pedestrians are in the crosswalk.

Pedestrian Crosswalk

You must stop before the crosswalk if pedestrians are in the crosswalk.

Pedestrian-Activated Crosswalk With Illuminating Lights

The lights on this crosswalk warn that the crosswalk has been activated by the pedestrians. You must stop before the crosswalk for pedestrians in the crosswalk when the lights on the crosswalk are activated.

Reserved Lane

These are reserved lanes that are used by buses, motorcycle’s, High Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs), electric vehicles and bicycles. These lanes are marked with a thick solid white line and a white diamond shape. Signs and markings will let drivers know which type of vehicles can use these lanes. Other traffic is not allowed to use these lanes.

Bicycle Lane

These are bicycle lanes and are for cyclists only. These lanes are marked with a thick solid white line and an outline of a bicycle. Cyclists must travel in the same direction as the traffic beside them.