Teorio
Warning line
A yellow warning line indicates that visibility ahead is too short for normal overtaking. A white warning line indicates danger when changing lanes. Such road marking may also be used on cycle paths to separate different directions, and on short sections of shared pedestrian and cycle paths where visibility is poor.
When you see the sign
A yellow warning line indicates that visibility ahead is too short for a normal overtaking manoeuvre. Keep to the right of the line, adjust your speed and avoid overtaking unless you have a full view ahead and can complete the manoeuvre safely.
Rules
- A yellow warning line is used between lanes carrying traffic in opposite directions.
- The line means that visibility ahead is too short for a normal overtaking manoeuvre.
- Crossing a yellow warning line is not absolutely prohibited, but crossing must be legal and possible without danger or unnecessary obstruction.
- Where lines are combined, you must follow the line nearest to your vehicle.
- A yellow warning line must not be confused with a yellow solid barrier line, which you are not allowed to drive on or cross.
Tips
- Abort a planned overtaking manoeuvre when the warning line begins, unless you have sufficient clear visibility and the manoeuvre can clearly be completed safely.
- Increase the distance to the vehicle in front so that you have a better view of the road and more time to react.
- Look out for hilltops, bends and other conditions that explain why visibility is limited.
- Pay attention to both the colour and the line pattern: a yellow line separates opposing traffic, while a warning line is not a continuous solid barrier line.
Common misconceptions
- Many people think that a yellow warning line always means that crossing the line is absolutely prohibited. It is the solid barrier line that imposes such a line-crossing prohibition.
- Some people think that a yellow and a white warning line mean the same thing. A yellow warning line warns of limited visibility for normal overtaking, while a white warning line warns of danger when changing lanes.
- A common mistake is to interpret the broken line as an ordinary lane line and overlook the fact that it specifically warns of insufficient visibility.
Test yourself
Easy
What do these yellow road markings mean?
- AThat the lane will soon end
- BThat there is danger when changing lanes
- CThat it is always prohibited to cross the line
- DThat visibility ahead is too short for a normal overtaking manoeuvre
Medium
You catch up with a slow-moving car where these markings begin. What should you do?
- AWait to overtake until visibility is sufficient
- BStop because it is prohibited to pass the markings
- COvertake because the broken line gives priority
- DOvertake if the car ahead is travelling at a low speed
Hard
What distinguishes this yellow variant from the corresponding white variant?
- AThe yellow one is used between lanes travelling in the same direction and warns of danger when changing lanes
- BThe yellow one is used between lanes travelling in opposite directions and always prohibits crossing the line
- CThe yellow one is used between lanes travelling in opposite directions and warns of short visibility for a normal overtaking manoeuvre
- DThe yellow one is used between lanes travelling in the same direction and indicates that the lane will soon end
Theory test tip
In the theory test, the trap is often the difference between a warning line and a solid barrier line: a yellow warning line warns that visibility is too short for normal overtaking, but is not in itself an absolute prohibition on crossing. A yellow solid barrier line, on the other hand, must not be driven on or crossed.
Did you know
Warning lines can also be used on cycle paths to separate directions and on short sections of shared pedestrian and cycle paths where visibility is poor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive over a yellow warning line?
The line does not in itself impose an absolute prohibition on crossing. However, you must have sufficient visibility and only cross when it is legal and can be done without danger or unnecessary obstruction.
Can I overtake when there is a yellow warning line?
The warning line indicates that visibility is too short for normal overtaking. You should therefore normally refrain from overtaking, unless the manoeuvre can be carried out legally and entirely safely with sufficient clear visibility.
What is the difference between a yellow warning line and a yellow lane line?
Both normally separate traffic travelling in opposite directions, but the warning line specifically indicates that visibility ahead is too short for normal overtaking. An ordinary lane line does not give this specific warning.
What should I do if the warning line is next to a solid barrier line?
Where lines are combined, you must follow the line nearest to you. If the solid barrier line is nearest, you must not drive on or cross it.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
