In the United Kingdom, what do double yellow lines along the road edge prohibit?

In the United Kingdom, double yellow lines along the road edge prohibit waiting at any time.

The markings are painted beside the kerb and indicate a restriction on waiting, which generally includes parking. Unlike single yellow lines, double yellow lines do not depend on a particular day or time shown on a nearby sign. Drivers may still be allowed to stop briefly for activities such as boarding, alighting, or loading, subject to additional restrictions.

The rule applies throughout the United Kingdom, although enforcement and local exemptions can vary. Kerb markings or nearby upright signs may impose further limits, especially on loading. A yellow line is therefore not simply a general warning color: its number and accompanying information determine the restriction.

Visitors sometimes confuse double yellow lines with red routes, which are commonly used in parts of London and can restrict stopping more strictly. White edge lines have a different purpose and are not equivalent to yellow waiting restrictions.