---
title: "Pedestrian Crossing Zigzag Lines | UK Road Signs"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/pedestrian-crossing-zigzags
description: "Master the rules surrounding white zigzag road markings at Zebra and Pelican crossings for your UK theory test."
lang: en
---

# Pedestrian crossing zigzag lines — UK road sign

White zigzag lines on the approach to pedestrian crossings prohibit overtaking and parking.

Image: Pedestrian crossing zigzag lines — white zigzags painted on the road UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/pedestrian-crossing-zigzags.svg)

White zigzag road markings are painted on both approaches to Zebra, Pelican, Puffin, Toucan, and Pegasus pedestrian crossings.

These markings create clear sightline zones so approaching drivers can see pedestrians clearly and pedestrians can see traffic.

## What this sign means

Zigzag lines create a strict non-stopping and non-overtaking area on the approach to and exit from pedestrian crossings.

Parking or stopping inside the zigzag zone obstructs visibility and creates extreme hazards for pedestrians.

- Strict no parking: You must not stop to wait, load, or set down passengers.
- Strict no overtaking: You must not overtake the leading moving vehicle closest to the crossing.

## What to do when you see it

Reduce speed and prepare for pedestrians who may step onto the crossing.

Maintain your position behind any leading moving vehicle; never cross lines to overtake inside the zigzag area.

## How this sign is tested

Theory test questions focus heavily on strict legal prohibitions: zero parking and prohibition of overtaking moving lead vehicles.

In practical driving tests, stopping on zigzags or overtaking within the zone results in an automatic fail.

## Common mistakes

Stopping on zigzag lines to quickly drop off passengers near schools or crossings.

Overtaking slow-moving traffic or cyclists within the zigzag boundary.

## Test yourself on this one

Road and traffic signs is the biggest category in the question bank with 102 questions, and signs turn up inside other categories too. Work through them free, no sign-up needed.

Practise road sign questions (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/practice)

## Frequently asked questions

Can I stop on zigzag lines to drop off a passenger?

No. Stopping on pedestrian crossing zigzag lines is strictly prohibited under all non-emergency conditions.

Can I overtake a stationary car in the zigzag zone?

You must not overtake any moving vehicle, nor should you bypass vehicles stopped to yield to pedestrians.

Do zigzag line offences carry penalty points?

Yes, illegal parking or overtaking on pedestrian crossing zigzags incurs fine penalties and licence penalty points.

## Passed your theory? Get the practical booked

Your theory certificate lasts two years. Most learners who use it quickly do it with an intensive course — a block of hours with a DVSA approved instructor and a practical test at the end, instead of one lesson a week for months.

Intensive course prices: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/pricing
All courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/courses
Crash courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/crash-courses
Automatic lessons: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons/automatic
Areas we cover: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons-in
Driving test centres: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-test-centres
How it works: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/how-it-works
Test pass guarantee: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/test-pass-guarantee

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