What is the purpose of lane markings on the road?

Lane markings on the road serve the crucial function of guiding drivers on how to position their vehicles within their lanes and informing them about changes in the flow of traffic. These markings indicate where one lane ends and another begins, helping to organize traffic effectively and improve safety. For instance, solid lines signify that changing lanes is discouraged or prohibited, while broken lines indicate that changing lanes is permitted.

The idea of lane markings extending to marking scenic routes or serving as advertising is not their intended function. Scenic routes often use signage rather than lane markings to indicate areas of interest, while road markings focus on traffic management. Similarly, parking areas are designated through specific symbols rather than general lane markings, which are meant for guiding vehicle movement rather than indicating parking provisions.