8.1.72. What types of road markings are there?
UAЯких видів буває дорожня розмітка?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the basic means of organizing and ensuring road safety. Road markings help drivers and pedestrians quickly orient themselves within lanes, directions of movement, stopping places, and hazardous areas, and often emphasize or clarify the requirements of road signs. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand what types of markings exist and where exactly they are used.
The question tests Section 8 of the Traffic Rules, specifically point 8.5 "Road Markings," which directly states that markings are divided into horizontal and vertical types. Horizontal markings (p. 8.5.1) are applied on the surface of the carriageway or on top of the curb in the form of lines, arrows, inscriptions, and symbols, and establish the mode and order of movement. Vertical markings (p. 8.5.2) are placed on road structures and road equipment elements (supports, barriers, bridge elements) in the form of contrasting stripes and serve for visual orientation and marking obstacles.
Among the answer options, the correct one is the combination of two types, as this is how the traffic rules define it: markings are horizontal and vertical. An option with only one type is incomplete, and "diagonal" as a separate type is not provided for in the classification of the Traffic Rules (diagonal lines may be an element of horizontal marking, but not a separate category). In practice, this knowledge helps correctly interpret the priority of requirements on the road: if the marking is poorly visible, the corresponding signs are used, and in case of a conflict between signs and markings, one should follow the signs according to the Traffic Rules.
Clause 8.5 — 8 "Traffic Regulation", 8.5 "Road Markings"
Road markings are divided into horizontal and vertical and are used either separately or together with road signs, whose requirements they emphasize or clarify.
This clause directly defines the types of road markings (which is exactly what the question checks).
Clause 8.5.1 — 8 "Traffic Regulation", 8.5 "Road Markings"
Horizontal road markings establish a certain mode and order of movement. They are applied on the carriageway or on top of the curb in the form of lines, arrows, inscriptions, symbols, etc., using paint or other materials of the appropriate color in accordance with clause 34.1 of these Rules.
This clause clarifies what is meant by horizontal markings in the Traffic Rules as one of the two types of markings.
Clause 8.5.2 — 8 "Traffic Regulation", 8.5 "Road Markings"
Vertical markings in the form of stripes of white and black, red and white, and yellow and red colors on road structures and road equipment elements are intended for visual orientation.
This clause clarifies what is meant by vertical markings in the Traffic Rules as the second type of marking.
Thus, the correct answer is "Horizontal and vertical," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, road markings are divided into horizontal and vertical.
In the Traffic Rules, road markings are considered a means of traffic organization, which can be used independently or together with road signs, clarifying or emphasizing their requirements. To answer the question correctly, it is enough to refer to point 8.5 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, which defines the classification of markings by their type.
Horizontal markings are applied on the carriageway or on top of the curb. These are lines, arrows, inscriptions, and symbols that indicate lane boundaries, directions of movement, stopping places, pedestrian crossings, etc. For example, lines separating opposing traffic flows or a “zebra” at a crossing are horizontal markings, because they are located on the road surface.
Vertical markings are not applied to the road, but to road structures and elements of road equipment. They are made with stripes of contrasting colors and are needed for visual orientation and marking dangerous places. For example, stripes on supports, barriers, bridge elements, or other structures near the carriageway are vertical markings.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Horizontal and vertical," since point 8.5 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly states that road markings are divided into these two types: on the road surface and on road structures/equipment.