A yield line is a transverse row of painted triangles or a solid white band placed across a traffic lane at an intersection or roundabout. It marks the precise boundary where a vehicle must stop if conflicting traffic has the right of way. Traffic engineers position these markings to maximize sightlines for the waiting driver while keeping the vehicle clear of the cross-traffic path and pedestrian crosswalks.
The striping crew needs to repaint the yield line at the roundabout approach because drivers are pulling too far forward.
When painted as a row of solid white triangles pointing toward approaching traffic, road crews almost universally refer to them as shark's teeth.
Also heard as
- shark's teeth
- give way line
Related terms
Retention line
A dummy segment added to a passenger name record to prevent the booking system from purging it.
Slip lane
A dedicated turning lane that bypasses a main intersection to improve traffic flow.
Stop sign
A regulatory traffic control device that requires drivers to bring their vehicles to a complete halt.