Cycle lane markings: what they mean
Cycle lane markings show space for cyclists. Drivers must stay out of solid-line lanes during operating times and avoid broken-line lanes unless unavoidable.
What do cycle lane markings mean?
Cycle lanes are marked on the road and shown by signs. Rule 140 says you must not drive or park in a lane with a solid white line during its operating times. Do not drive or park in a lane with a broken white line unless unavoidable.
Know your traffic signs describes these as mandatory and advisory cycle lanes. You must not park in any cycle lane while waiting restrictions apply.
Quick quiz
What does the picture at the top of this page show?
- The cycle lane, track or route ends.
- White lines mark a lane for cyclists.
- Cyclists and pedestrians share one path.
Show answer
B. White lines mark a lane for cyclists. A solid line prohibits driving or parking in the cycle lane during operating times; a broken line means avoid it unless unavoidable (The Highway Code, rule 140). Source: Know your traffic signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 140, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
Along cycle lanes on the road. Signs may show the operating times of a mandatory cycle lane.
What should you do?
Keep out of a solid-line cycle lane during its operating times, and avoid driving or parking in a broken-line lane unless unavoidable. Before crossing a cycle lane, give way to cyclists and wait for a safe gap.
What do people get wrong?
A broken boundary line does not make the cycle lane an ordinary traffic lane. Rule 140 says not to drive or park in it unless unavoidable.
Common questions
Can I drive in a cycle lane with a broken white line?
Rule 140 says not to drive or park in it unless unavoidable. Give way to cyclists before crossing the lane.
Do cyclists have to use cycle lanes?
No. Rule 140 says cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes or cycle tracks.
Compare with
With-flow cycle lane signA cycle lane in the same direction as you.
Advanced stop lineA box at traffic lights where cyclists wait.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (bus and cycle signs and road markings) and The Highway Code rule 140.
- Know your traffic signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 140, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The diagram is our own simplified drawing, not to scale. Sources and image credits.