ZedTheoryStart quick practiceStudy topic 4
Understand centre lines, lane arrows, crossings, box junctions and traffic lights, and respond to authorised traffic personnel.
By the end, you should be able to
Do not cross a single or double unbroken centre line to overtake. The Code permits crossing if a police officer, road traffic inspector or traffic warden orders it, or to avoid an obstruction. Take extreme care and give way to all other traffic.
Zambian Highway Code · Rule 143Where a broken centre line is beside a solid one, use the line nearest you. If yours is broken, you may overtake cautiously when the whole manoeuvre is safe and can finish before an unbroken line starts on your side.
Zambian Highway Code · Rule 144Follow lane arrows at junctions. Before changing lanes, check mirrors and blind spots, signal and move only when clear. Do not force another driver or rider to swerve or slow.
Zambian Highway Code · Rules 148 and 152Stop behind the line for red. Yellow, also called amber, means stop too, unless it appears after you have crossed the stop line or you are too close to stop safely.
Zambian Highway Code · Rules 222 and 282; signal plates, printed pages 64 and 83Green allows you to proceed only when the way is clear and there is room to clear the junction. Give way to pedestrians who are crossing when you turn.
Zambian Highway Code · Rule 222; signal plate, printed page 65A green arrow allows movement in the direction it shows, whatever the other lights show. Use the filter lane only if you intend to go that way, and give way to other traffic going in that direction.
Zambian Highway Code · Rule 223; signal plate, printed page 65Enter a yellow box only when your exit road or lane is clear. The Code permits waiting to turn right if only oncoming traffic or other right-turning vehicles prevent the turn. At a signal-controlled junction, you must be able to cross the box completely without stopping.
Zambian Highway Code · Rule 220Signal clearly and in good time before changing course, stopping or moving off. Make sure your signal cannot mislead anyone, then check that the indicator is cancelled after the manoeuvre.
Zambian Highway Code · Rules 276 and 278Obey authorised traffic personnel. If they hold straight-ahead traffic, wait for their instruction before turning left. At a crossing, let pedestrians already crossing finish even if vehicles receive a signal to move. At a pelican crossing, stop for red and give way to pedestrians for flashing amber.
Zambian Highway Code · Rules 202–204, 224 and 281; personnel signal plate, printed page 63Topic 4 visual guide
These extracts from the Highway Code show the markings, lights and rules together. You can also see them after checking the relevant practice answers.
An unbroken centre line that drivers must not cross simply to overtake.
A paired centre marking where the line nearest the driver is broken and the other line is solid.
The red, green and yellow traffic-light signals, drawn after the Highway Code plate.
A yellow box marking that must be kept clear unless the Highway Code exception for turning right applies.
Topic check
Every answer includes an explanation and a Highway Code rule reference.
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