Striping, Markings & Markers
Markings are the language of the pavement, and the C-32 exam tests line colors, materials, and curb codes precisely.
Lines and markers
White = same-direction (or right edge) · Yellow = opposing traffic (or left edge of a divided road) · broken line = crossing permitted, solid = discouraged/prohibited · a raised pavement marker must match the color of the line it supplements.
Markings are applied as paint (cheapest, shortest-lived), thermoplastic (thicker, more durable), or preformed tape, with retroreflective glass beads embedded for nighttime visibility.
California curb colors (Vehicle Code §21458)
| Curb color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | No stopping, standing, or parking |
| Yellow | Loading passengers or freight |
| White | Passenger loading / unloading |
| Green | Time-limited parking |
| Blue | Disabled parking |
Practice: Striping, Markings & Markers
Frequently asked
What do white and yellow pavement lines mean?
What do the painted curb colors mean in California?
Why are glass beads added to pavement markings?
More C-32 Parking & Highway topics
Planning & Estimating
C-32 study guide on planning and estimating parking and paving work: parking-stall layout and angles, drive-aisle widths, wheel stops, drainage slope, and estimating striping and asphalt.
Read & practice →Surface Coatings & Seals
C-32 study guide on pavement surface treatments: crack seal, fog seal, sand seal, slurry seal, micro-surfacing, chip seal, and parking-lot sealcoat — and when each is used.
Read & practice →ADA Parking & Accessibility
C-32 study guide on ADA accessible parking: how many accessible spaces a lot needs, the van-accessible ratio, car vs van access-aisle widths, the 2% slope limit, and signage.
Read & practice →Special Applications
C-32 study guide on special paving applications: tennis and basketball court surfacing, running tracks, and FAA airfield marking colors.
Read & practice →Incidental Pavement Repair
C-32 study guide on incidental pavement repair: durable pothole patching, crack sealing, mill-and-overlay, and recognizing when a base failure requires a full-depth repair.
Read & practice →Safety & Traffic Control
C-32 study guide on work-zone safety: orange signs, tapers, the flagger's paddle, channelizing-device spacing, high-visibility apparel, struck-by and silica hazards, Dig Alert, and stormwater.
Read & practice →