What Are the 'Rows of White Diagonal Lines' Appearing on Highways? Police Reveal True Purpose — Crossing Them Could Instantly Result in a $6,000 Fine

Roads are marked with various traffic lines to maintain smooth traffic flow and enhance driving safety. Many drivers often notice 'white diagonal lines' painted on the ground when traveling on highway ramps or intersections. These markings are known as 'channelizing lines.' Recently, the National Freeway Police Agency released dashcam footage showing a driver changing lanes on a highway without noticing the channelizing lines and crossing them anyway. The entire process was recorded and reported by a following vehicle, triggering heated discussion among netizens. Authorities have issued a strong reminder: channelizing lines are no-crossing zones, and violating this rule could result in a maximum fine of NT$6,000.

What are the 'rows of white diagonal lines' appearing on highways? Police reveal their true purpose

A driver changed lanes on a highway without noticing the channelizing lines on the road surface and crossed them directly. The entire process was fully recorded and reported by the vehicle behind. (Image/Screen capture from National Freeway Police Facebook)

The National Freeway Police recently released a video showing a vehicle driving on a highway, changing lanes without noticing the channelizing lines and crossing them. Police stated that crossing channelizing lines or double solid white lines is strictly prohibited and always punishable. 'Is it really that hard to plan your route before driving? If you want faster passage, just pay the toll. If you don’t want to wait in line on the freeway, then be prepared to pay the price.'

After the video went viral, two opposing opinions emerged in online comments:

'This happens all the time — I encounter it every time I drive. People risk causing million-dollar accidents just to save a few minutes. Driver education culture is truly terrible.'

'Personally, I think the warning distance for channelizing lines should be extended to 300 meters — about 9 seconds of reaction time.'

'Why not review the road marking design itself? Is it fair to immediately label someone as guilty? Does every driver go out intending to break the law? Can we really say they’re violating the rules?'

'I feel this section resembles the one in the video — the exit distance is too short, and the signage placement is also too close.'

'So many drivers stay in the center lane, then suddenly brake hard and stop right after exiting a tunnel, waiting to cut into the outer lane to take the off-ramp. This forces vehicles in the center lane to emergency brake too — very dangerous behavior. Can we strengthen enforcement and increase penalties for this?'

'Vehicles cutting in like this happen constantly, but not every interchange has surveillance cameras, so so many people keep breaking the rules.'

'The queue in the inner lane on freeways is way too long.'

'Every interchange should install technology-based enforcement systems so habitual violators won’t act recklessly, and law-abiding drivers won’t feel foolish.'

What is a channelizing line? Understanding line types, colors, and specifications

The purpose of painting channelizing lines on roads is to guide drivers to follow designated routes. (Image/Screen capture from Chiayi County Police Facebook)

According to Article 171 of the 'Regulations on Installation of Road Traffic Signs, Markings, and Signals,' channelizing lines are primarily used to guide drivers along specified routes and strictly prohibit crossing. The Ministry of Transportation explains that channelizing lines commonly appear at highway junctions, elevated ramp entrances, and other special sections.

1. Identifying channelizing lines by color

White channelizing lines: Connect with directional separation lines or lane markings (e.g., near outer shoulders).

Yellow channelizing lines: Connect with directional restriction lines (e.g., near inner shoulders).

2. Three types and size specifications of channelizing lines

Line classification: Mainly divided into three types — solid single lines, Y-shaped lines, and diagonal stripe lines.

Size specifications: Both solid single lines and Y-shaped lines are 15 cm wide. The border lines around diagonal stripe lines are 15 cm wide, while the internal diagonal stripes are 20 cm wide. Each diagonal stripe must be spaced 30 cm apart and precisely angled at 45 degrees.

How much is the fine for illegally crossing a channelizing line? Penalties differ between regular roads and freeways

Drivers who inadvertently cross or drive over channelizing lines will face different legal penalties depending on the type of road:

Violation on general roads: According to Article 60, Paragraph 2, Clause 3 of the 'Road Traffic Management Penalty Act' — 'Failure to comply with road traffic markings' — results in a fine ranging from NT$900 to NT$1,800.

Violation on expressways/freeways: Under Article 33 of the 'Road Traffic Management Penalty Act,' crossing channelizing lines on freeways or expressways incurs a fine between NT$3,000 and NT$6,000.

What to do if you accidentally approach or cross a channelizing line on the freeway

If a driver realizes they’ve deviated from their route and are about to or have already crossed a channelizing line while driving on a freeway, it’s crucial to remain calm and take the following safety measures:

Do not panic brake or sharply turn the steering wheel

Never make sudden sharp turns or emergency braking maneuvers, as this may cause rear-end collisions due to insufficient stopping distance for following vehicles.

Use turn signals and confirm safe distance

Look for an appropriate opportunity to return to the correct lane as soon as possible. Before merging, always activate turn signals early and use mirrors to ensure sufficient safe distance from surrounding vehicles.

In complex situations, pull over safely

If traffic conditions are extremely complex or pose safety concerns, pull over to a safe location (e.g., shoulder) only after ensuring safety. Wait until the situation is secure before resuming movement.