Holdshort

Holdshort refers to a designated position on taxiways and runways used in aviation to require aircraft and vehicles to stop and hold until clearance to proceed is received from air traffic control. The primary purpose is to prevent runway incursions and maintain orderly traffic flow on busy airfields. A hold-short position is typically located at runway entrances and at taxiway intersections with runways or other taxiways.

The marking that designates a hold-short location on taxiways consists of four lines across the width of the taxiway: two solid lines and two dashed lines. The solid-line side faces the runway and indicates that crossing the line is prohibited without explicit ATC clearance; the dashed-line side faces the taxiway and indicates that crossing is allowed when cleared. The hold-short marking is usually accompanied by a red hold-short sign with white characters that reads “HOLD SHORT OF RUNWAY” or a similar wording.

Procedures at hold-short positions require pilots and vehicle operators to stop at the line when instructed or when clearance has not yet been given. When ATC clears them to cross the hold line or to enter a runway, they may proceed, crossing the dashed lines. Clearances may be issued as “hold position,” “cleared to cross,” or “cleared onto runway” for departures. Hold-short instructions are especially common in low visibility or congested operations to maintain separation between aircraft and ground vehicles.

Standards for hold-short markings and signs are established by international and national aviation authorities, including ICAO and the FAA, ensuring a consistent concept and safety practice worldwide.