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No-go area
Driving on a no-go area bounded by a continuous line is prohibited. Two longitudinal parallel barrier lines where the distance between them is not more than 100 cm and milling has been carried out between the lines are regarded as a no-go area.
When you see the sign
Keep the vehicle outside the hatched area when it is bounded by a solid line. Plan your position and any lane changes early so that you do not have to drive on or cross the area.
Rules
- It is forbidden to drive on a hatched area bounded by a solid line.
- The solid boundary line must not be crossed to take a shortcut through the hatched area.
- Two longitudinal, parallel barrier lines are considered a hatched area when the distance between them is not more than 100 cm and the surface between the lines is grooved.
- The hatched area is not a traffic lane, even if it is wide enough for a vehicle to physically fit there.
Tips
- Look early for solid lines around the hatched or bounded area, and choose the correct lane before the area begins.
- Adjust your speed if the hatched area directs traffic away from an obstacle, separates traffic flows or marks a traffic island.
- Do not use the hatched area for overtaking, queueing or getting to an exit more quickly.
- Take particular care at junctions and at entry or exit areas, where the road markings may direct vehicles into specific lanes.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that the hatched area can be used as long as there is no other traffic. A solid boundary means that driving on the area is prohibited.
- Confusing a hatched area with an ordinary barrier line. The barrier line is the line itself, while the hatched area is the space bounded by the line.
- Thinking that only hatched areas count as hatched areas. Two parallel barrier lines with a distance of no more than 100 cm between them and grooving between them may also be considered a hatched area.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this road marking mean?
- AYou may drive on the area when no other traffic is approaching.
- BYou should avoid the area, but may cross it when overtaking.
- CYou must not drive on the area when it is bounded by a solid line.
- DYou may use the area as a traffic lane if it is wide enough.
Medium
You are going to turn left at the next exit. You can shorten the route by crossing the solid line and driving through the empty area. What should you do?
- AStay outside the area and follow the lawful carriageway to the exit.
- BCross the area if you have first checked that it is empty.
- CDrive through the area if the car fits without touching the hatched marking.
- DUse the area if you signal and drive at a low speed.
Hard
You see two longitudinal, parallel barrier lines 80 cm apart, with milling between the lines. How should the road marking be understood?
- AThe area between the lines is considered a narrow traffic lane that you may use.
- BThe area between the lines is considered prohibited only if it is hatched.
- CThe area between the lines is considered an area that you must not drive on.
- DThe area between the lines is considered a warning that permits careful crossing.
Theory test tip
Look carefully at the line bounding the area. The typical trap is thinking that you can drive across it because the area is empty; if the hatched area is bounded by a solid line, you must stay outside it.
Did you know
A grooved area between two parallel barrier lines can provide visible, audible and tactile warning if the wheels enter the area. When the distance between the lines is not more than 100 cm, this design is considered a hatched area.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive on the hatched area to turn off the road?
No, not when the area is bounded by a solid line. You must follow the lane and wait until the road markings legally allow you to turn off or change lanes.
Is a hatched area the same as a barrier line?
No. A barrier line is a solid line that you must not drive on or cross, while a hatched area is a bounded section of road that must not be used for driving when it is bounded by a solid line.
Can I stop inside a hatched area?
You cannot drive onto a hatched area bounded by a solid line in order to stop there. The area is not intended as a traffic lane, waiting area or parking space.
How do I distinguish a hatched area from a warning line?
A warning line is a broken line that warns of danger or limited visibility. A hatched area is a bounded section, often hatched or marked with parallel lines, and a solid boundary means that you cannot drive on it.
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