Lane laws are now being strictly enforced in our cities. The police say, that anyone caught violating these laws will face fines, so it’s a pretty serious affair. Given that no one really cared about these laws until now, here is a refresher of some of the laws you should keep in mind while driving from now on. This is not a comprehensive list of lane laws, but Ibn Serendib believes it maybe just enough to help you through the day.

Broken Lane Line – You can cross this line to overtake a vehicle in front of you, and you can cross it to turn into a street on the opposite side of the road.

Solid Lane Line – You CANNOT cross this line to overtake a vehicle in front of you, but you can cross it to turn into a street on the opposite side of the road.

Double Solid Lane Line – You CANNOT cross this line to overtake a vehicle in front of you, and you CANNOT cross this line to turn into a street on the opposite side of the road. YOU CANNOT CROSS THIS LINE FOR ANY REASON.

Solid and Broken Lane Line – You can cross this line to overtake a vehicle, if the broken line is on the same side as your lane. If the solid line is on the same side as your lane you cannot overtake a vehicle in front of you. In the illustration above, vehicles on the right lane can overtake a vehicle, but the vehicles on the left lane cannot overtake a vehicle. Vehicles on both sides can turn into a street on the opposite side of the road, by crossing the line.

Checkered area

Checkered area on the road – You CANNOT drive on this area for any reason. You CANNOT cross this area for any reason

In addition keep the following in mind as well -

Bus Lanes – The bus lane is usually situated on the left side of the road. It is an offence for any vehicle other than an omnibus, in service for public transport to use the bus lane. If you need to turn into a street on the left, keep off the bus lane until you need to turn and cut across.

Keep in between the lane lines – Your vehicle should be between the white lane lines when driving. In case the road is a single carriage way, your vehicle should be between the center line, and the solid white line marking the left side of the lane. DO NOT drive on the lines.

Signal always before changing lanes – If you are on a multilane road, always apply your signal when you are changing lanes. DO NOT change without signaling first!

Do not drive over the solid line on the left side of the lane – If there is a solid white line on the left side of the lane, it marks the end of the road, and beyond that is where the pedestrians walk. DO NOT cross it.

May Allah spare you any inconvenience!