Road markings are among the most critical yet often overlooked components of road infrastructure. They guide drivers, regulate traffic movements, improve visibility, and enhance road safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

As India's transportation network continues to expand, maintaining consistent and highly visible road markings has become increasingly important. To standardize pavement marking practices across the country, the Indian Roads Congress introduced IRC Code 35:2015 – Code of Practice for Road Markings.

The code provides comprehensive guidelines for the design, application, materials, colours, visibility requirements, and maintenance of road markings. Today, advanced technologies such as AI road marking inspection India platforms and computer vision road markings analytics are helping highway authorities monitor marking conditions more efficiently while ensuring compliance with national standards.

As the saying goes, "A stitch in time saves nine." Well-maintained road markings prevent accidents before they occur and contribute significantly to safer roads.

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‍What is IRC Code 35:2015?

IRC Code 35:2015 is the revised version of India's official road marking standard, originally introduced in 1970.

The code establishes uniform practices for:

• Road marking design
• Material selection
• Colour coding
• Application techniques
• Reflectivity requirements
• Inspection and maintenance procedures

Its primary objective is to ensure that road users encounter consistent and recognizable markings regardless of location.

Road markings serve as:

• Lane guidance systems
• Traffic control devices
• Warning indicators
• Pedestrian safety measures
• Navigation aids

On high-speed highways, urban corridors, and complex intersections, these markings play a crucial role in reducing driver confusion and improving operational safety.

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Why Road Markings Matter

Road markings contribute directly to:

Improved Traffic Flow

Clearly defined lanes help organize vehicle movements and reduce congestion.

Enhanced Road Safety

Markings provide visual guidance that reduces lane departure incidents, intersection conflicts, and pedestrian accidents.

Better Night-Time Visibility

Reflective markings improve driver perception under low-light conditions.

Consistent Road User Behaviour

Standardized markings create predictable driving environments that reduce errors and improve compliance.

Modern AI road safety assessment India solutions increasingly use pavement marking condition data to evaluate roadway safety performance.

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Approved Road Marking Materials Under IRC Code 35:2015

Material selection significantly influences the durability and effectiveness of road markings.

Thermoplastic Road Markings

Thermoplastic markings are the most commonly used permanent pavement marking solution in India.

Key Features

• Rapid application and curing
• Strong adhesion to pavement surfaces
• Excellent retroreflective properties
• High durability under traffic loading
• Typical lifespan of 2–3 years

Common Applications

• National highways
• Expressways
• Urban arterial roads
• High-traffic corridors

Today, AI road asset monitoring India platforms help monitor thermoplastic marking performance and identify maintenance requirements proactively.

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Solvent-Based and Water-Based Paints

Paint systems are generally used where lower durability requirements exist.

Advantages

• Economical installation
• Easy application
• Suitable for temporary markings
• Waterborne paints provide environmental benefits

Limitations

• Shorter service life
• Lower resistance to traffic wear
• Frequent maintenance requirements

These markings are often used for temporary diversions, construction zones, and low-volume roads.

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Cold Applied Plastic (CAP) Markings

Cold-applied plastics provide long-lasting performance without requiring heating during installation.

Suitable Applications

• Bicycle lanes
• Coloured pavement zones
• Raised profile markings
• Tactile safety surfaces

Benefits

• High durability
• Excellent visibility
• Enhanced skid resistance

Preformed Adhesive Tapes

Preformed tapes are factory-manufactured markings applied directly to the pavement surface.

Benefits

• Immediate usability after installation
• Consistent quality
• High initial visibility
• Quick deployment

Common Uses

• Intersections
• Temporary traffic management
• Diversion routes
• Special roadway treatments

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Road Marking Colour Codes Under IRC Code 35

Colour consistency is essential for driver recognition and compliance.

White Markings

Used for:

• Lane lines
• Edge lines
• Directional arrows
• General traffic guidance

Yellow Markings

Used for:

• Median lines
• No-overtaking zones
• Traffic separation

Blue Markings

Typically designate:

• Bus priority lanes
• Special transport facilities

Green Markings

Used for:

• Bicycle infrastructure
• Dedicated cycling corridors

Red or Purple Markings

Often indicate:

• High-risk areas
• Restricted zones
• Special warning locations

Standardized colour usage improves roadway readability and reduces confusion.

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Classification of Road Markings

IRC Code 35:2015 categorizes road markings into seven major groups.

1. Longitudinal Markings

These markings run parallel to traffic movement.

Examples include:

• Broken lane lines
• Solid lane lines
• Double solid centerlines
• Edge lines

These markings help maintain lane discipline and regulate overtaking.

2. Transverse Markings

These markings are placed perpendicular to traffic flow.

Examples include:

• Stop lines
• Give-way lines
• Pedestrian crossings

They help regulate vehicle behavior at intersections and crossings.

3. Hazard Markings

Hazard markings alert drivers to potential risks.

Examples include:

• Chevron markings
• Diagonal hatching
• Obstruction indicators

These improve driver awareness and reduce collision risks.

4. Block Markings

Block markings identify specific safety zones.

Examples include:

• Zebra crossings
• School zones
• Traffic islands

These markings improve pedestrian safety and visibility.

5. Arrow Markings

Arrow markings provide directional guidance.

Examples include:

• Left-turn arrows
• Right-turn arrows
• Straight-ahead arrows
• Lane assignment arrows

They assist drivers in making correct lane choices before intersections.

6. Directional Markings

Text-based pavement markings reinforce roadside signage.

Examples include:

• STOP
• SLOW
• SCHOOL
• BUS ONLY

These improve message recognition and traffic control effectiveness.

7. Facility Markings

Facility markings define dedicated roadway spaces.

Examples include:

• Parking bays
• Bus stops
• Cycle tracks
• Loading zones

They improve road space management and operational efficiency.

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Visibility and Reflectivity Standards

Visibility is one of the most important performance requirements under IRC Code 35:2015.

Preview Distance Requirements

Road markings must remain visible long enough for drivers to perceive and react safely.

The code recommends maintaining sufficient preview distance based on operating speeds.

Retroreflectivity Requirements

Glass beads embedded in road markings improve night-time visibility by reflecting vehicle headlights back toward drivers.

Benefits include:

• Improved visibility during darkness
• Better performance during rain and fog
• Enhanced lane recognition
• Safer high-speed travel

Using AI roadway visibility analytics, authorities can measure reflectivity performance and identify markings requiring maintenance.

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Road Studs (Cat's Eyes)

Road studs complement pavement markings in low-light conditions.

White Studs

Used along lane lines.

Red Studs

Indicate road edges.

Yellow Studs

Mark median boundaries.

Green Studs

Identify exits and service lanes.

Proper placement improves guidance and road safety.

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Inspection and Maintenance Requirements

IRC Code 35 emphasizes regular inspection and maintenance to preserve marking effectiveness.

Key inspection parameters include:

• Retroreflectivity
• Skid resistance
• Durability
• Wear resistance
• Alignment accuracy
• Colour consistency

When performance falls below acceptable thresholds, repainting or replacement becomes necessary.

Modern AI lane marking detection systems can automate this process, significantly reducing manual inspection efforts.

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Role of AI in Road Marking Management

The future of road marking maintenance is increasingly data-driven.

Advanced technologies now support:

Automated Road Inspections

AI road marking inspection India solutions automatically identify faded or damaged markings.

Computer Vision-Based Analysis

Computer vision road markings technology analyzes lane visibility and condition in real time.

Visibility Monitoring

AI roadway visibility analytics evaluate reflectivity performance and compliance levels.

Traffic Behaviour Assessment

AI traffic analysis systems help determine how pavement markings influence driver behavior and roadway safety.

Smart Infrastructure Management

Automated smart road infrastructure platforms integrate marking data with broader road asset management systems.

These technologies help agencies maintain compliance while improving operational efficiency.

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Benefits of Following IRC Code 35:2015

Organizations that comply with IRC Code 35 gain several advantages:

• Improved road safety
• Better traffic flow
• Reduced accident rates
• Enhanced night-time visibility
• Consistent road user experience
• Longer-lasting pavement markings
• More efficient maintenance planning

Compliance also supports modern asset management and smart transportation initiatives.

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Conclusion

IRC Code 35:2015 provides the foundation for consistent, visible, and effective road markings across India's transportation network. By standardizing marking materials, colours, classifications, visibility requirements, and maintenance practices, the code helps improve safety, traffic efficiency, and driver confidence.

As India's road infrastructure continues to evolve, integrating technologies such as AI road marking inspection India, and AI roadway visibility analytics is transforming how authorities manage pavement markings. These solutions enable proactive maintenance, improved compliance, and more efficient asset management.

Road markings may appear simple, but they remain one of the most powerful tools for improving road safety and ensuring a predictable, reliable transportation system for millions of road users every day.

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FAQs

Q1. What is IRC Code 35:2015?

IRC Code 35:2015 is the Indian Roads Congress standard that governs the design, materials, application, and maintenance of road markings across India.

Q2. Why are road markings important?

Road markings improve traffic flow, provide lane guidance, increase visibility, and enhance road safety for all users.

Q3. Which road marking material is most durable?

Thermoplastic road markings are generally considered the most durable option due to their strong adhesion, high reflectivity, and long service life.

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