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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 white warning line indicates that changing lanes may be dangerous. Delay the lane change if you do not have a clear view, and check your mirrors and blind spot carefully before possibly crossing the line. The line may be crossed when this can be done safely and without obstructing or inconveniencing others.
Rules
- A white warning line indicates danger when changing lanes.
- It is not generally prohibited to cross a warning line, unlike a solid line.
- When changing lanes, you must give way to traffic in the lane you want to enter.
- When lines are combined, you must follow the line closest to your vehicle.
- A white warning line may also be used on cycle paths and on short stretches of shared pedestrian and cycle paths where visibility is poor.
Tips
- Recognise the warning line by its long dashes and short gaps.
- Check your interior mirror, side mirror and blind spot before considering changing lanes.
- Use your turn signal well in advance when the lane change may affect other road users.
- Wait to change lanes if the road's curvature, the volume of traffic or other conditions make the situation difficult to assess.
Common misconceptions
- Many people think that it is always prohibited to cross a white warning line. It indicates danger, but it is not a solid line.
- Some people confuse a white and a yellow warning line. A white line indicates danger when changing lanes, while a yellow line indicates that visibility is too poor for normal overtaking.
- Some people think that the warning line gives them priority when changing lanes. The driver changing lanes still has to give way to traffic in the lane they are entering.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this marking mean?
- AIt warns that visibility is too short for normal overtaking.
- BIt shows an ordinary division between lanes without any special warning.
- CIt warns of danger when changing lanes.
- DIt prohibits all crossing between the lanes.
Medium
You want to change lanes across this marking. How should you act?
- AI do not change lanes because the marking can never be crossed.
- BI change lanes immediately because the traffic in the other lane has vikeplikt.
- CI change lanes only when it is safe, and give way to the traffic in that lane.
- DI stop on the marking before continuing into the other lane.
Hard
Where else may this marking be used, apart from between lanes on an ordinary road?
- AOn one-way roads to mark oncoming traffic, and on short sections at stops where stopping is prohibited.
- BOn cycleways to separate directions, and on short sections of shared-use paths with poor visibility.
- COn pavements to separate pedestrians, and on short sections of pedestrian crossings with poor lighting.
- DOn motorways to mark the road shoulder, and on short sections of lay-bys where parking is prohibited.
Theory test tip
A common trap is to answer that a white warning line must not be crossed. Look for the difference between a warning line and a solid line: A warning line indicates danger when changing lanes, whereas, as a general rule, a solid line must not be driven on or crossed.
Did you know
Warning lines are not used only on roads for motor vehicles. They can also separate traffic travelling in opposite directions on cycle paths and mark short sections with poor visibility on shared pedestrian and cycle paths.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cross a white warning line?
Yes, the line may be crossed when the lane change can be carried out safely. You must give way to traffic in the lane you want to enter.
What is the difference between a white warning line and a white solid line?
A warning line indicates danger when changing lanes, but may be crossed when it is safe to do so. As a general rule, a solid line must not be driven on or crossed.
What is the difference between a white lane line and a white warning line?
Both are broken lines, but a warning line has longer dashes and shorter gaps. A warning line specifically indicates that changing lanes may be dangerous.
Which line should I follow when the warning line is combined with another line?
You must follow the line closest to your vehicle. If a solid line is closest to you, you generally cannot cross it.
Practise for the theory test
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