Yield line (shark’s teeth)

How to read it

The MUTCD defines yield lines as a row of solid white isosceles triangles pointing toward approaching vehicles, across the approach lanes at the point where the yield is intended or required. Its guidance is triangles 12 to 24 inches wide at the base and one and a half times as tall, 3 to 12 inches apart. The FHWA calls the marking shark's teeth. California's handbook describes it as showing approaching vehicles where to yield or stop, and Oregon's as marking the point where a driver is required to yield.

Also searched as: shark’s teeth, shark teeth road marking, triangles on road.

Only with a sign

The 11th edition (2023) does not allow a yield line without a YIELD sign, a Yield Here to Pedestrians sign or another device that requires vehicles to yield, and does not allow one where a stop is required. The 2009 edition listed yield lines as an option to use with those signs.

Ahead of a crosswalk

Where a crosswalk crosses a multi-lane road with no signal or stop sign, the MUTCD places the yield line 20 to 50 feet before the crosswalk, with Yield Here to Pedestrians signs. The FHWA reports that advance yield or stop markings and signs can reduce pedestrian crashes by up to 25%.

Look-alikes

A stop line is a solid white bar, used where vehicles stop. The MUTCD doesn't allow a yield line where a stop is required.