Poor road markings are causing near-misses – could you be at risk?
January 20, 2026 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Are faded road markings putting you at risk? New RAC research finds disappearing lane lines, stop lines, and junction arrows are causing confusion, near-misses, and real danger on our roads.
UK drivers are warning that vital road markings are disappearing, and it’s making driving tricker – and sometimes downright dangerous. In fact, a whopping 92% of drivers say faded road markings have made driving more hazardous, according to new RAC research.
The survey, which was put to thousands of drivers across the UK, found that one in five (21%) say most road markings in their area have faded, while 71% say at least some markings are disappearing. Nearly three-quarters (72%) reckon the problem has gotten worse over the past five years.
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Some of the most important markings are vanishing fastest. Half of drivers say lane-dividing lines – solid, double, or broken – are the ones fading the quickest. Other markings disappearing include:
- Arrows on roundabouts or junctions (48%)
- ‘Give way’ lines (44%)
- Yellow box markings (43%)
- Stop lines (41%)
- Painted speed limits on the road (36%)
Zebra crossings, cycle lanes, and advanced stop lines are also slowly wearing away in many areas.
The consequences aren’t just annoying – they can be dangerous. Here are a few other things drivers reported in the survey:
- Having to guess where lanes are (63%)
- Ending up in the wrong lane (38%)
- Honked at or confronted by other road users (19%)
About one in six drivers (16%) have had a near-miss, and 15% have overshot a junction because crucial markings were no longer visible.
RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “Drivers are widely reporting that road markings have been left to fade into obscurity, making roads less safe as a result. Some of the most critical lines, such as those dividing lanes and stop lines, are disappearing, which is deeply concerning.”
Williams added that the government and local councils must act to ensure road markings are clearly visible to keep drivers and other road users safe.
The RAC also found that faded road markings, alongside poor drainage, are considered the second biggest safety hazard on UK roads after potholes. Most drivers (84%) believe repainting markings would improve safety, and 91% say councils should do a better job of keeping them visible.
Tips for staying safe when road markings are faded
While local councils work on repainting lines, here are six simple tips to stay safe:
- Reduce speed on roads with worn markings so you have more time to react.
- Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles, especially at junctions or roundabouts.
- Even if markings are faded, signs still indicate lanes, stops, and priority, so use these as guides.
- Look carefully for other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists when approaching junctions.
- If lane markings are gone, follow the flow of traffic and stay predictable.
- Let your local council know where road lines need repainting. Every report helps.
With a little caution and awareness, drivers can reduce the risks from disappearing road markings – until authorities get them back in place.
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