August 2019 7/16
RRM 001:
Continuous Single
Centre Line
CENTRE LINE MARKINGS
7.3.8 The centre line markings described in this Section should be used
on single-carriageway roads to separate traffic travelling in
opposite directions.
7.3.9 A centre line marking (and the centre of a Double Line system) is
usually positioned on the geometric centre of the carriageway;
however, they may be laid off-centre in certain situations, such as
where parking is provided along one side, and on roads with an
additional lane in one direction (e.g. a bus, cycle or climbing lane).
7.3.10 The visibility distances used in selecting the appropriate type of
centre line marking are stated in Table 7.3. It should be noted that
for short interruptions to visibility it does not automatically follow
that a more restrictive centre line type must be used. Judgement
should be used but, in general, a short obstruction to visibility
occurring over a distance of no more than one third of the length
W-S in Table 7.3(a) may be disregarded.
7.3.11 The minimum length of a stretch of centre line marking of any one
type should be W - S in Table 7.3(a), except where otherwise
stated in this Chapter (see 7.3.18 iii for example)
7.3.12 On roads of 6.0m or more in width, centre line markings should be
provided. Broken Centre Lines, RRM 002A or B, may be provided
where forward visibility is considered adequate for drivers to
observe and react to oncoming vehicles. Where forward visibility
is limited, for example on bends, humps or dips, the centre line
markings should be Warning Lines, RRM 002C or D, or
Continuous Lines RRM 001, as appropriate.
7.3.13 Centre line markings on two-lane roads on which the speed is
80km/h or less should generally be 100mm wide. On roads with a
speed in excess of 80km/h 150mm wide centre line markings
should generally be used; however, for rural roads of national
classification, centre line markings should generally be 150mm
wide, regardless of the speed. It is important that Lane Lines, RRM
003, which separate traffic travelling in the same direction, should
not be mistaken by drivers for centre line markings, which separate
traffic travelling in opposite directions. Consequently, on multi-lane
roads a 150mm wide centre line marking should be used.
Narrow Roads
7.3.14 On narrow roads, over-running of the carriageway edge causing
maintenance problems can occur if centre line markings are
provided. Drivers might also expect a road marked with a centre
line to be wide enough for opposing lanes of traffic to pass.
Therefore, on roads less than 5.0m width, centre line markings
should be omitted. For widths between 5.0m and 6.0m, provision
of a centre line marking is optional. In general, well-aligned roads
wider than 5.5m should be provided with a centre line marking;
poorly-aligned roads below 5.5m width should not, and judgement
should be used in intermediate cases. Section 7.3.54 provides
guidance on the use of Edge Lines where provision of a centre line
marking is not feasible.
7.3.15 Use of a Double Line System (as described in 7.3.28) should
generally be avoided on roads less than 6.0m wide