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Edge line
The line indicates the outer edge of the carriageway.
When you see the sign
Keep the vehicle inside the edge line, which marks the outer edge of the carriageway. Adjust your position and speed if the carriageway is narrow, but remember that the edge line itself does not carry the same prohibition on crossing as a barrier line.
Rules
- The edge line marks the outer edge of the carriageway.
- The area outside the edge line is not a normal traffic lane and may be a road shoulder or other roadside area.
- The edge line does not separate traffic lanes; lane lines, warning lines and barrier lines are used between lanes.
- There is no general prohibition against crossing an edge line, but crossing must be legal, safe and not put others at risk.
Tips
- Use the edge line to help maintain the correct lateral position, especially in darkness, rain and fog.
- Do not fix your gaze directly on the line; look well ahead and use the line as part of your visual guidance.
- Reduce your speed if the edge line indicates that the carriageway is becoming narrower or runs close to a ditch, guardrail or other obstacles.
- Be alert for pedestrians, cyclists or stopped vehicles in the area outside the edge line.
Common misconceptions
- Believing that the edge line is a barrier line that it is always forbidden to cross.
- Believing that the area outside the edge line is an extra traffic lane that can be used for normal driving.
- Confusing the edge line with a lane line that separates two lanes travelling in the same or opposite directions.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this road marking indicate?
- AIt indicates a prohibition against changing lanes.
- BIt warns of short visibility when overtaking.
- CIt indicates where the outer edge of the carriageway runs.
- DIt separates lanes travelling in the same direction.
Medium
An obstruction is partly in the carriageway, and you must briefly cross this marking to pass it. What do you do?
- AI continue without reducing speed because the area outside is a lane.
- BI never cross it because the line always has the same effect as a solid line.
- CI cross it only if this can be done legally and safely.
- DI always stop because the marking warns of danger when changing lanes.
Hard
What is correct about the particular solid version shown?
- AIt is solid and therefore makes the side area an ordinary lane.
- BIt is solid and therefore separates two ordinary lanes from each other.
- CIt is solid, but does not automatically have the same crossing prohibition as a solid line.
- DIt is solid and therefore always has the same crossing prohibition as a solid line.
Theory test tip
In the theory test, the trap may be confusing a solid edge line with a barrier line. Look at its position: the edge line is located at the outer edge of the carriageway, whereas the barrier line separates traffic lanes and there is an explicit prohibition against driving on or crossing it.
Did you know
Edge lines are used as visual guidance along the road and make it easier to perceive the width and course of the carriageway in darkness and poor visibility.
Frequently asked questions
What does the edge line mean?
It marks the outer edge of the carriageway. It therefore shows the boundary between the carriageway and the road shoulder or other roadside area.
Is it always forbidden to cross the edge line?
No, the edge line itself does not carry the same prohibition against crossing as a barrier line. Nevertheless, you may only cross it when it is legal and can be done without causing danger or unnecessary inconvenience.
Is the area outside the edge line a traffic lane?
No, it is not a normal traffic lane. The area may, among other things, be a road shoulder and must not be used as an extra lane for normal driving.
How do I distinguish an edge line from a lane line?
The edge line follows the outer edge of the carriageway. A lane line is located between traffic lanes and is used to guide traffic in separate lanes.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
