Double-yellow line

A double-yellow line is a common road marking meaning different things in many parts of the world.

United Kingdom

Double yellow lines along the edge of the carriageway indicate that parking restrictions apply to the road (which includes the carriageway, pavement and verge). A driver may stop for passengers to board or alight and to load or unload (unless there are also 'loading restrictions' as described below). The regulation applies to all vehicles other than those with disabled parking permits - see below.^[1] The restriction applies from the centre of the carriageway to the back of the footway.

History

Double yellow lines were first used in Yorkshire by a farmer (George Bamber) 1822-1903 of Masham, North Yorkshire they were originally used as 'boundary markers' to protect his land. The design of the two yellow lines came from the markings used by George Bamber to identify his sheep. George also used the 'two yellow lines' to identify the access routes to his farm on the road, which on market days were sometimes clogged up with carts from surrounding villagers who were attending the regular markets. The Mayor of Masham (Mr Nesbit) realised the potential and implemented this idea to restrict access to Masham market square on Market days, offenders who left any obstructions where the double yellow lines were painted were fined 4d of which George Bamber received 10%. This idea was then adopted by surrounding villages, the shrewd George Bamber ensured that the 10% received from the Masham fines was also applicable to other villages. [1] [2] Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless there are signs that specifically indicate seasonal restrictions.^[1]

They were first introduced in the UK by section 51^[2] of the Road Traffic Act 1960.^[3]

Loading restrictions

Loading is allowed on double-yellow lines unless there are also yellow marks on the kerb or at the edge of the carriageway.^[1]

British influence

Countries that were once part of the British Empire are likely to retain a modified version of the British laws including the basic principles regarding road safety.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the regions using double yellow lines on the side of carriageways outside the UK.

India

A double-yellow line is a painted marking between a two-way road. It consists of two, parallel, solid yellow lines located between the two directions of traffic flow and its presence usually indicates a no-passing restriction.

Singapore

Singapore, an ex-crown colony of the UK, also uses double-yellow lines to indicate no parking at the sides.

Mauritius

Mauritius was once a British colony, and today still applies double yellow lines to mark restricted parking areas at all hours on the sides of carriageways.

Canada

In Canada, a double-yellow line in the center of the road means that it is unsafe for traffic traveling in either direction to pass. It is usually found on rolling hills or through corners where visibility is limited.

United States

A double-yellow line is a painted marking between opposing sides of a highway. It consists of two, parallel, solid yellow lines located between the two directions of traffic flow and its presence usually indicates a no-passing restriction or no passing zone. Obvious exceptions to this no-passing restriction include emergency maneuvers or temporary traffic flow changes due to road work. Often the double-yellow line has sections where one of the lines becomes dashed (in which case it is no longer a "double-yellow") indicating to the drivers traveling on the side closest to the dashed line that they may pass when it's safe.

In the state of Rhode Island, two municipalities replace the double yellow line with strippings of red, white and blue; Bristol (longest continuous running Fourth of July parade)[3] and Warwick (host of Gaspee Days)

In some states, it is not against the law to overtake vehicles in the presence of solid yellow lines if it is safe to do so. For example, Vermont State Law also allows passing across the double yellow line when no traffic is on the opposing side, however, one must pass quickly and return to the proper side. ^[4] However this is unusual as most states have a ban on crossing a double yellow line except when turning, or when pedestrians, bicycles, or other obstructions in the road make it necessary. Overtaking another vehicle across a solid yellow line is usually considered a serious traffic violation in most states. ^[5]

See also

• Single yellow line
• Red route

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} "Road markings". direct.gov. http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_070563.pdf. Retrieved 2010-04-01. 
2. ^ "Road Traffic Act 1960 - 51 Traffic signs". Legislation.gov.uk. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/8-9/16/section/51/enacted. 
3. ^ "Parking Meter Zones (Double Yellow Lines)". Hansard. http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1963/dec/04/parking-meter-zones-double-yellow-lines. ""Mr. Marples: Double yellow lines on the carriageway in a parking meter zone indicate a ban on waiting at all times, except for the picking up or setting down of passengers; they also indicate a ban on loading or unloading between 8.30 a.m. and midnight. I have authorised the use of these carriageway markings under the powers given to me in Section 51 of the Road Traffic Act, 1960."" 
4. ^ http://www.dmv.vermont.gov
5. ^ http://www.dmv.vermont.gov