Box Junction: What Is The Meaning Of This Road Marking? (PHOTOS)

If you drive in Lagos or some other metropolis, there is this particular roads markings and signs that you must have come across.

The road marking is a yellow box filled with a yellow grid of criss-cross lines painted on the road. In Lagos, many motorists are unfamiliar with what the marking is all about.

Well, this road marking is called Box Junction.

So what really is a Box Junction?

A Box Junction is a traffic control measure designed to prevent gridlock at junctions. They are usually found at junctions, such as crossroads, T-junctions or occasionally at roundabouts, to keep traffic flowing.

They are usually controlled by traffic lights, but not always.

It is an offense to enter the yellow box unless your exit is clear and there is enough space on the other side of the junction for your car to clear the box completely without stopping. Therefore, you MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear.

What if you are turning right at a Box Junction?

Yes. If you want to turn right, you are allowed to enter the box and wait if you are prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic, or other vehicles on the box waiting to turn right. However, this can only happen provided your exit road is clear.

But be careful when queuing inside the box because you might not have time to clear the junction before the traffic lights change. Ensure to check that the exit is clear. If you automatically follow the vehicle in front of you, it may stop and prevent you from completely crossing the junction.

Do not ignore the rules of Box Junctions just because a traffic light is green.

Also, do not let other drivers pressure you into entering the box when a clear exit is not available.

There would be a road sign around Box Junction that says “Offside Rule, Do Not Enter”.