One of the most important elements for good management is respect for traffic signals. In El Salvador there are different classifications of them. Among them are manual, circumstantial, luminous, vertical and horizontal signals. In the latter are the lines of different colors that are seen in the streets.
Horizontal signals correspond to the application of road markings made up of lines, arrows, symbols and letters that are painted on the pavement, according to the regulations of the National Road Safety Council of El Salvador.
Road lines serve to guide the movement of vehicles and indicate the movements to be executed. Such signaling helps guide the driver without distracting his view from the road and also indicate when a maneuver is prohibited.
What do the lines on the roads mean?
There are two types of lines that can be observed on the roads: white and yellow, of which there are also continuous and discontinuous or dotted ones.
In addition, they are sometimes often seen combined on the road, but what does each of them mean?
The white lines are those that separate the traffic lanes that move in the same direction, while yellow lines separate the lanes that move in the opposite direction.
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Continuous white line
The continuous white line tells the driver that the road is one-way, but is not allowed to change lanes.The continuous white line is part of the horizontal signage.
If a driver decides to surpass another on a continuous white line, he or she may receive a very serious fine of $57.14, as stipulated in the Land Transport, Transit and Road Safety Act. They consider that such a maneuver can “cause danger.”
White line discontinuous or dotted
This line also indicates that the lanes move in the same direction, but you are allowed to change lanes, as long as it is safe to do so.
Punctuated line indicates that lanes can be exceeded with due caution.
While the white dotted line indicates that vehicles can change lanes, they should indicate
Their intention to change the other drivers, as if they fail to do so, they can receive a light fine of $11.43.
Continuous yellow line
It indicates that the lanes move in the opposite direction and that it is not allowed to change lanes.
When trying to overcome on a continuous yellow line, the authorities can impose a very serious fine of $57.14 on the driver, as it is considered “a maneuver that causes danger.”
Reached yellow line or dotted
The dotted yellow line points out that the road is two-way and that in both lanes it can be advanced with due caution.
Despite this, the driver must indicate the maneuver, since if not he can be able to do so with a minor fine of $11.43
Yellow line double continuous
Unlike the double dot yellow line, the double yellow continuous tells the driver that, in addition, the road is double-way, it is not allowed to change lanes.
Yellow line double continuous
El Salvador’s laws state that if a driver decides to overrun another on a double-ending yellow line he can receive a felony fine of $34.29.
Yellow line double dotted
As is known, the yellow line indicates that the road is two-way and when finding two dotted yellow lines is indicating that drivers, from both lanes, can change lanes as long as it is done with caution.
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Double yellow line dotted.
Although drivers on both lanes may overstep they must indicate such maneuver to other drivers, as, according to the Land Transport, Transit and Road Safety Act, the driver can receive a minor fine of $11.43
Continuous yellow line and another discontinuous line
There is also a combination of yellow lines, such as a continuous and a discontinuous one. This indicates that the continuous line cannot make a rebate or change lanes, while the side of the discontinuous or dotted line allows you to advance, exceed or change lanes if it is safe to do so.
Image of a continuous line next to a yellow dotted line. Photo: Youtube
In the event that a driver is in a lane with a yellow dotted line and wants to overtake another vehicle, he must indicate the maneuver. If he does not, he may receive a minor offence of $11.43.
Pedestrian pass or zebra pass
These lines, as their name suggests, is a designated area on the road where pedestrians have priority to cross, so drivers are prohibited from stopping on those lines.
In addition, motorists have an obligation to stop when they realize that a pedestrian wants to make use of the zebra crossing and must leave the way free so that pedestrians can cross the street
If drivers do not comply with these regulations, the authorities can impose a felony fine of $34.29.
This article was translated after originally appearing in La Prensa Grafica