Rwanda National Police

You have probably seen new road markings—yellow criss-cross lines— painted on the road, especially in the City of Kigali. Well, these are called Yellow Box junctions, typically found at busy intersections. But how much do you know about these square or rectangular areas marked with diagonal yellow criss-cross lines and how they are used? 

Here is what you need to know!

The Yellow Box is a traffic sign designed to ensure that the intersection is not blocked, to prevent traffic jam and to keep the junction clear for through-traffic. It ensures smooth traffic flow, keeps the road space free to facilitate emergency response services such as fire trucks and ambulances. 

The Yellow Box junctions are monitored by enforcement cameras. Here, you will notice two different cameras—speed enforcement cameras commonly known as Sofia, and a small camera erected some 10 metres behind. Do not stop in the Yellow Box; you will be penalized.

When you enter the Box, be sure your exit is clear. There should be space on the other side of the junction, enough for your automobile to clear the box completely without stopping.

It all starts with observing the traffic lights command. Do not simply follow the vehicle in front as it may stop and prevent your exit and don't let other drivers pressure you to enter the box when a clear exit is not available.

Presidential Decree No 85/01 of 02/09/2002 regulating general traffic police and road traffic, partly specifies that “every driver engaged in a cross-road where traffic is regulated by traffic lights must leave those cross-roads without waiting for the traffic to be authorized in the direction where he wants to turn into, but on the condition of not holding up the traffic of other vehicles moving in the direction where traffic is authorized.”

GERAYO AMAHORO