Common road markings in Singapore
It’s difficult to remember the meaning of different line markings on the road be it the most seasoned drivers or drivers who just passed their Basic Theory Test (BTT). To serve as a guide for novice drivers and as a refresher for seasoned drivers, we have put together a comprehensive list of the most frequent road markings seen in Singapore.
Broken White Line
A broken white line indicates the centre of a two-way road. Vehicles should keep to the left side of the line.
Continuous White Line
A single continuous white line indicates the centre of a two-way road. Vehicles should keep to the left side of the line. It is safe for motorists to cross the centre of this line when the road ahead is clear. The road marking, however, forbids parking on either side of the road. Drivers who park on roads with a continuous white line will face a fine of up to $150, depending on the type of vehicle.
Parallel Continuous White Lines
The parallel continuous white lines indicate the centre of a two-way road. Never cross double white lines. Making a U-turn or a right turn is not allowed on a road where such lines are painted. When you see this road marking on a road, where traffic is flowing in different directions, be aware that you are not permitted to overtake any vehicles unless you can keep as far left as the road markings allow. Crossing these parallel continuous white lines will result in four demerit points and a fine of up to $200, depending on the type of vehicle. Performing an unauthorized U-turn will result in a fine of up to $150.
Continuous Yellow Line
A continuous yellow line indicates no parking on this side of the road from 7:00 am-7:00 pm except on Sundays and public holidays. Drivers who park on roads with a continuous yellow line will be fined up to $150, depending on the type of vehicle. Picking up and dropping off passengers is allowed along a continuous yellow line.
Parallel Continuous yellow Lines
The parallel continuous yellow lines indicate that parking and waiting are not allowed at all times on the side where the lines are drawn. However, immediate picking and dropping off passengers are allowed. Drivers who park on roads with parallel continuous yellow lines will be fined up to $150, depending on the type of vehicle.
Single Yellow Zig-zag Line
A single yellow zig-zag line indicates no parking at all times on that side of the road where the line is drawn. However, immediate picking and dropping off passengers are allowed. Drivers who park on roads with a single yellow zig-zag line will receive 3 demerit points and be fined up to $300, depending on the type of vehicle.
Double Yellow Zig-zag Lines
Double yellow zig-zag lines indicate No Stopping at all times on that side of the road where the lines are drawn. Drivers who stop on roads with double yellow zig-zag lines will receive three demerit points and be fined up to $300, depending on the type of vehicle.
White Zig-zag Lines
The white zig-zag lines indicate that there is a zebra crossing ahead. Drivers should keep a lookout and give way to pedestrians. In the area of the road marking, vehicles are not allowed to overtake, wait, or park. At these zigzag crossings, pedestrians are not permitted to cross the street. There will be three demerit points imposed on motorists who park within pedestrian crossings, as well as a fine of up to $200, depending on the type of vehicle.
Traffic Claiming Markings
These triangular road markings on both sides of the road encourage drivers to slow down. Therefore a visually narrowed road can be seen created. These road markings are typically found near school zones and silver zones.
Mandatory Give-Way to Buses Road Marking
The section in yellow indicates a mandatory give-way to buses area. Slow down and watch out for buses pulling out of the bus bay. Stop before the give way line and give way to buses exiting the bus bay at the location.
Normal Bus Lane
A continuous yellow line and a short horizontal line at intervals indicate a normal bus lane. No driving or parking of vehicles in the bus lane during the bus lane operational hours - Mondays to Fridays: 7.30 am to 9.30 am and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm, except on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays. Vehicles can use the bus lane where there is a broken yellow line to turn into a side road or turn from a side road into the bus lane road. Drivers who ignore bus lane timings and drive in bus lanes will be fined up to $130. Failing to pay the fine will result in a maximum fine of $1,000 or 3 months of imprisonment.
Full-Day Bus Lane
An additional red line marked parallel to the yellow line indicates a full-day bus lane. No driving or parking of vehicles in a bus lane during the full-day bus lane operational hours - Mondays to Saturdays: 7.30 am to 11.00 pm, except on Sundays & Public Holidays. Similarly, drivers who ignore bus lane timings and drive in bus lanes will be fined up to $130. Failing to pay the fine will result in a maximum fine of $1,000 or 3 months of imprisonment. Find out more about traffic offences in Singapore that carry demerit points and fines!