While using the roads in Kenya, you must have come across different markings, wondering why some roads are marked with straight lines, some with dotted lines, and some with two lines.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The lines and markings on the roads serve a specific purpose, and there is a concrete reason for their different placements.

Road markings play a crucial role in regulating traffic flow and preventing road accidents. They help drivers make quick decisions, reduce confusion, and ensure smooth movement of vehicles on busy highways and urban roads.

For motorists, especially, the markings give clear instructions on when to cross to the other lane, when to overtake, and when they are completely barred from overtaking.

📌 What You Need to Know

Drivers are not allowed to cross or overtake when there is a solid line marking their lane.

During this period, motorists are strictly prohibited from overtasking unless in exceptional circumstances, as they are placed in areas with high visibility or safety risks.

A solid white line often separates lanes moving in the same direction and is used in areas where lane changes are discouraged, such as near junctions, curves, or busy sections of the road.

However, motorists can still cross a single continuous line when entering or leaving a road, entering a service road, or entering an emergency stopping lane.

Dotted or broken lines on the road indicate that motorists may overtake or change lanes.

Provided it’s safe, and sufficient indication has been given to other road users, motorists can cross broken lines at any time after they have given way to all vehicles in the lane they wish to enter.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke