IRC Code 35: Navigating Safely – The Role of Hazard Markings in Identifying and Avoiding Road Hazards

Roadvision AI strengthens compliance with IRC 35-2015 through AI road marking inspection, helping authorities maintain hazard road markings and reflective highway markings for safer navigation across India.

Road markings are among the most effective yet understated road safety tools. Under IRC 35-2015, hazard road markings act as visual alerts that help drivers detect dangers early and respond appropriately. When applied correctly, they reduce crash risk without requiring expensive structural interventions.

As traffic volumes grow, proactive monitoring through RoadVision AI becomes essential for maintaining marking visibility and compliance.

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Road Markings

1. What Is IRC 35-2015?

IRC 35-2015 – Code of Practice for Road Markings (with Paints) was issued by the Indian Roads Congress to standardise pavement marking practices nationwide.

The code provides:

  • Design specifications
  • Colour standards
  • Material guidelines
  • Placement rules
  • Maintenance recommendations

Hazard road markings specifically identify zones requiring caution and areas where manoeuvres such as overtaking or lane changes may be unsafe.

Consistency in marking design ensures instant driver recognition across different states and road categories.

2. Role of Hazard Road Markings in Road Safety

Hazard road markings serve as preventive visual warnings. They:

  • Alert drivers to obstructions or alignment changes
  • Indicate non-traversable areas
  • Guide vehicles safely around fixed objects
  • Improve night-time and wet-weather visibility

These markings function as psychological and visual speed control mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of collisions.

3. Typical Locations for Hazard Markings

As per IRC 35-2015, hazard road markings are commonly applied near:

  • Pedestrian refuges and traffic islands
  • Bridge piers and abutments
  • Medians and toll plazas
  • Sharp curves and blind spots
  • Sections with vertical or horizontal alignment changes

Their placement ensures early hazard detection and safer manoeuvring.

4. Types of Hazard Road Markings

4.1. Chevron Markings

Chevron markings consist of diagonal stripes placed between diverging or converging traffic lanes.

They:

  • Identify non-traversable zones
  • Direct vehicles away from fixed hazards
  • Use stripe angles typically at 45° or 60°

Chevron markings are widely used at channelising islands, gore areas, and obstacle approaches.

4.2. Diagonal Approach Stripes

These stripes are installed upstream of obstructions to gradually redirect traffic.

Typical specifications:

  • Stripe width: 100–150 mm
  • Spacing varies according to approach speed

They create a progressive visual narrowing effect that encourages lane discipline.

4.3. Obstruction Zebra Markings

Obstruction zebra markings are painted directly in front of bridge abutments or fixed structures.

Their purpose is to:

  • Highlight physical barriers
  • Visually reduce perceived carriageway width
  • Encourage cautious driving behaviour

These markings are especially effective in high-speed corridors.

4.4. No Overtaking Zones

No overtaking zones use solid lines and yellow centre markings where passing is unsafe, such as:

  • Sharp horizontal curves
  • Hill crests
  • Tunnels
  • Narrow bridge approaches

They are critical for preventing head-on collisions in restricted-visibility conditions.

5. Design and Material Guidelines

IRC 35-2015 specifies durable materials to ensure longevity and performance:

  • Thermoplastic road paint for high durability
  • Cold-applied plastic for heavy traffic conditions
  • Reflective glass beads for retroreflectivity
  • White colour for general hazard areas
  • Yellow for medians and no overtaking zones

Application must occur on dry, properly prepared surfaces to ensure adhesion and service life. Under normal traffic conditions, markings typically last 12–18 months before requiring renewal.

6. Benefits of Proper Hazard Marking

When hazard road markings are installed and maintained correctly, they provide:

  • Early driver warning and improved reaction time
  • Reduced collision risk with fixed structures
  • Improved lane discipline
  • Enhanced night-time and rain visibility
  • Better compliance with IRC 35-2015 standards

These benefits significantly enhance reflective highway markings performance across varying traffic conditions.

7. Implementation Challenges

Despite clear guidelines, several issues affect effectiveness:

  • Fading due to traffic abrasion and weather exposure
  • Inconsistent maintenance schedules
  • Variation in application quality across regions

Regular inspections and structured repainting programs are essential to sustain marking visibility and performance.

8. Final Thought

Hazard road markings are a low-cost, high-impact safety intervention. IRC 35-2015 ensures these markings are applied scientifically and uniformly, allowing drivers to anticipate road hazards and navigate safely.

As India’s road network expands, maintaining high-quality reflective highway markings becomes increasingly important for reducing accident risk and improving traffic discipline.

9. RoadVision AI and Smarter Hazard Monitoring

RoadVision AI enhances hazard marking compliance through AI-powered digital monitoring tools such as Pavement Condition Intelligence Agent.

Automated surveys detect:

  • Faded chevron markings
  • Worn obstruction zebra markings
  • Missing no overtaking zones
  • Surface deterioration affecting marking adhesion

By enabling real-time inspection and timely repainting, RoadVision AI strengthens safety, accountability, and adherence to IRC 35-2015 nationwide.

FAQs

Q1. What are hazard road markings under IRC 35-2015?
Hazard road markings are visual warning markings such as chevron markings, obstruction zebra markings, and no overtaking zones used to identify dangerous areas and guide traffic safely.

Q2. Why are reflective highway markings important?
Reflective highway markings improve visibility at night and during rain, ensuring drivers can identify hazards with sufficient reaction time.

Q3. Which materials are recommended for hazard markings?
IRC 35-2015 recommends thermoplastic road paint, cold-applied plastics, and embedded glass beads for durability and retroreflective performance.