Definition

Noun: A traffic lane is a marked division of a roadway, defined by painted lines, intended for a single line of vehicles to travel in one direction.

Usage

A traffic lane is a fundamental unit of road organization. It is used to describe the specific, designated path for vehicles on a street or highway. - Drivers must stay within their traffic lane. - The highway has four traffic lanes in each direction. - Bicycles may share the traffic lane with cars in some areas.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to change traffic lanes": to move a vehicle from one marked lane to an adjacent one.
  • Always check your mirrors before you change traffic lanes.
• "the flow of traffic in a lane": the movement and speed of vehicles within a specific lane.
  • The flow of traffic in the right lane was slowed by a bus.

Variants and Related Words

• Lane (n): A more general term that can mean a narrow road, a division of a highway, or a marked course for runners or swimmers. A traffic lane is a specific type of lane.
• Turn lane (n): A short traffic lane designated for vehicles preparing to make a turn.
• Bus lane (n): A traffic lane reserved for buses.
• Shoulder (n): The paved or unpaved area immediately adjacent to the traffic lanes, intended for emergency stops.

Synonyms

• Roadway division
• Travel lane
• Carriageway lane (primarily UK English)

Related Phrases

• Lane discipline: The practice of drivers using the correct lane for their speed and destination.
  • Good lane discipline helps prevent traffic jams.
• Lane departure warning: A vehicle safety system that alerts a driver if the vehicle begins to move out of its lane without signaling.
• Lane splitting: The practice of a motorcycle riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic.

Noun

1. a lane of a main road that is defined by painted lines
   • that car is in the wrong traffic lane