School keep clear markings

What it means

You should not stop on the markings, not even briefly. Where there is an upright sign, stopping is banned during the times shown.

The yellow zig-zags keep the road outside the school entrance clear, so children can see and be seen when crossing.

Similar yellow zig-zags are used outside hospitals and fire, police and ambulance stations.

Where you'll see it

Outside school entrances, and similar markings outside hospitals and emergency service stations.

Rules to know

• You must not wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on school entrance markings when upright signs indicate a prohibition of stopping.

  The Highway Code, Rule 238

• Yellow zig-zag markings outside schools indicate where you should not stop, not even to pick up or set down children. Where there is an upright sign, stopping is prohibited during the times shown.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 65

• Keep the entrance clear of stationary vehicles, even if picking up or setting down children.

  The Highway Code, Road markings

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Pulling onto the zig-zags for a quick drop-off.

  Instead: Stopping here blocks children’s view of the road. Park legally further away and walk.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 2

What does this marking mean?

• ANo waiting at any time
• BDo not stop outside the school entrance
• CNo parking or overtaking near the crossing
• DDo not enter unless your exit is clear

Ready for more? Take the Road Markings Quiz