lane

Lane is a portion of a roadway designated for travel by a single line of traffic. On many roads, multiple lanes exist in each direction, separated by painted markings or physical barriers. Lanes can serve general driving, turning, or special purposes such as buses or bicycles, and their arrangement influences traffic flow and safety.

Common lane types include driving lanes for standard traffic, passing lanes, turning lanes at intersections, climbing lanes on grades, and reversible lanes that change direction to meet demand. In urban areas, dedicated lanes may be provided for buses, bicycles, or high-occupancy vehicles, and toll lanes may restrict usage to paying vehicles.

Markings and rules govern lane use. Dashed lines generally permit lane changes; solid lines prohibit crossing except in specific circumstances. Double solid lines typically indicate no crossing. Edge lines mark the boundary of the roadway and the shoulder. In many jurisdictions, lane discipline and signaling are required to change lanes.

Lane design and management affect capacity, safety, and reliability. Lane width varies by country and road type, commonly ranging from about 2.7 to 3.8 meters on major roads; urban lanes tend to be narrower. Traffic control measures, including reversible lanes and lane utilization schemes, help balance demand.

Other uses of the term Lane include a surname and a given name, as well as geographic places and institutions named Lane. The word appears in various toponyms and in fiction and media as a surname or character name.