What Are Road Line Signs?
Road line signs are those painted marks you see on the road (white, yellow, or sometimes zigzag). They tell drivers what to do and what not to do, like traffic controllers that never sleep.
While traffic lights can fail and traffic wardens may not always be around, these painted road markings are always there. They help control traffic flow, show when it’s safe to overtake, warn you about risky spots, and protect pedestrians.
Types of Road Line Signs and Their Meanings
Here are some common road markings you’ll often see on Nigerian roads and what each one really means.
Single Broken White Line
A broken white line (or dashed white line) means you can overtake or change lanes, but only when it’s safe. You’ll mostly find it on highways and major roads with multiple lanes, such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway or certain busy routes in Abuja.
Single Solid White Line
When you see a single solid white line, it means stay in your lane, no crossing, no overtaking. These lines are usually placed where visibility is poor or the road is too risky for lane changes, such as bends, narrow roads, or bridges.
You’ll often spot them on the Third Mainland Bridge, Onitsha Bridge, or the steep hills along the Abuja-Kaduna road. Crossing this line has caused many accidents, so wait until you see broken lines before overtaking unless there’s an emergency.
Double Solid White Line
A double solid white line is even stricter: no crossing under any condition. Neither side of the road is allowed to overtake or change lanes here. These lines are painted in high-risk spots like sharp curves, tunnels, or blind intersections where even a moment’s mistake can be deadly.
Unlike the single solid line, where an emergency might excuse you, crossing a double solid line is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Drivers caught overtaking here face heavy fines, and in some cases, their vehicles may even be impounded.
Broken Yellow Line
These yellow road markings show the edge of the road, warning you that the paved surface is ending. You’ll often see them on highways and rural roads where the tarred road ends and the side of the road begins. For drivers, cyclists, and motorcycle riders, drifting too close can be risky. Stay alert and keep within the lane. You may cross this line briefly to avoid potholes or obstacles, but don’t drive on the shoulder regularly.
Solid Yellow Line
The solid yellow line means no stopping or parking. It’s usually painted in busy urban areas where vehicles stop, which can block traffic or cause accidents. Ignoring it often leads to traffic jams and fines from LASTMA or FRSC. If you see this road line, keep moving until you find a proper parking spot.
Double Yellow Lines
Double yellow lines are strictly enforced; drivers should not stop, park, or wait for any reason, even for a minute. Not for buying pure water or picking someone up.
You’ll usually see them on major highways, express bridges, near airports, and around government buildings, where even one parked vehicle can disrupt movement. Agencies enforce this rule strongly, and stopping here can get you fined or towed. Simply put: when you see double yellow lines, keep your wheels moving.
Zigzag Lines Near Zebra Crossings
These wavy yellow or white lines near zebra crossings mean one thing: slow down and get ready to stop for pedestrians. They warn you that people may be crossing ahead, so don’t park, don’t stop, or block these markings. Ignoring them puts lives at risk and can attract fines from traffic officers.
Whenever you see zigzag lines, reduce your speed and prepare to stop. And never overtake near zebra crossings; it’s both dangerous and illegal.
Arrows Painted on the Road
Road arrows are like your GPS (Global Positioning System) on the ground, guiding you at tricky junctions, roundabouts, and busy intersections. These markings show where to turn: left, right, U-turn, or straight ahead, and help reduce confusion. Always follow the arrow in your lane: if it points left, turn left; if it points straight, keep moving forward. Ignoring arrows can lead to accidents or result in a stop by FRSC or LASTMA officials.
Think of them as simple visual instructions that keep traffic moving. You’ll often spot them at Ojuelegba, Allen Avenue roundabout, and major intersections in Port Harcourt and Kano.
Common Mistakes Nigerians Make with Road Lines
Here are some common mistakes with road markings and signs:
Overtaking on Solid Lines: Some drivers try to overtake on single or double solid white lines, thinking they can beat traffic. This is dangerous and illegal, especially on narrow roads or bends.
Parking on Yellow Lines: You see a solid or double yellow line and think, “I’ll just stop for a minute to buy something.” Next thing, LASTMA is knocking. Parking here blocks traffic and attracts fines. Yellow lines simply mean no parking.
Ignoring Arrows: Many drivers, especially danfo drivers, ignore road arrows painted on the road and switch lanes at the last minute. This often causes accidents and traffic jams, especially at busy junctions.
Following Too Close to Road Edge Lines: Driving too close to the yellow edge lines is risky. If you suddenly turn to dodge a pothole or obstacle, you could lose control or move off the road.
Blocking Zebra Crossings: Parking or stopping on zig-zag lines or zebra crossings puts pedestrians, especially children, at risk and can earn you fines from FRSC.
Penalties and Fines for Ignoring Road Lines
Traffic agencies like FRSC, LASTMA, and VIO take road safety in Nigeria very seriously. If you ignore road markings, here’s what can happen:
Crossing solid lines can earn you a fine.
Overtaking on double white lines attracts penalties.
Parking or stopping on yellow lines will get you fined.
Blocking zebra crossings or pedestrian zones can lead to charges.
Overall, breaking traffic rules always comes with punishment.
Practical Tips for Following Road Line Signs
Road line signs aren’t just there for formality. They are on the roads to help you get home safely every day. These painted guides protect drivers of cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles, keeping both you and other road users safe.
Here are simple tips to stay safe and avoid trouble:
Always slow down near painted road markings and junctions.
Don’t park or stop on yellow lines unless signs allow it.
Respect double yellow lines on the road because there’s zero tolerance.
Also, follow arrows and street signs to avoid confusion, and when unsure, stay cautious and give way.
Remember, driving safety starts with respecting these simple but crucial road markings and their meanings. The few minutes you might save by ignoring road lines aren't worth the potential accident, fine, or loss of life. Start practicing these tips today, and soon following road line signs will become second nature. Your family, your wallet, and your fellow road users will thank you for it.