How Do You Read Pavement Markings in Ontario?

The colour of a pavement marking tells you about the direction of traffic it is managing. White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction, such as lanes on a multi-lane road. Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions, such as the centreline of a two-lane highway. This colour rule is consistent across Ontario and the rest of Canada.

A solid line is a restriction: you should not cross it. A solid white line on the right edge of the road marks the road boundary. A solid white line between lanes means lane changes are discouraged or prohibited in that area. A solid yellow centreline on a two-way road means you must not cross it to pass.

Broken (dashed) lines indicate that crossing is permitted when safe to do so. A broken white line between lanes means you may change lanes when it is safe. A broken yellow centreline means you may cross to pass a slower vehicle if the way is clear and it is safe. Always check for oncoming traffic before crossing a broken yellow line.

Sometimes a solid and broken yellow line appear side by side. The rule is simple: look at the line on your side. If the line closest to your lane is solid, you may not pass. If the line closest to your lane is broken, you may pass when safe. The driver in the opposite direction may face a different rule depending on which line is on their side.

Beyond lane and centrelines, Ontario roads use additional markings. Edge lines (solid white or yellow at the road boundary) show where the paved surface ends. Stop lines (solid white across a lane) mark where you must stop at intersections. Crosswalk lines (parallel white lines) mark pedestrian crossing zones. Arrows indicate permitted turning movements. Yellow diagonal hatching marks areas drivers must not enter.