What colour are the reflective studs between the hard shoulder and the left-hand lane of a motorway?
On UK motorways, the reflective studs (also called cat’s eyes) are colour-coded to help drivers at night or in poor visibility:
- Red – between the hard shoulder and the left-hand lane.
- White – between lanes in the middle of the carriageway.
- Amber – between the right-hand lane and the central reservation.
- Green – at slip road entry and exit points.
- Fluorescent green/yellow – at roadworks or temporary hazards.
So the correct answer to your question is:
Red reflective studs mark the boundary between the hard shoulder and the left-hand lane.
Motorway Reflective Stud Colours (Cat’s Eyes)
How to remember What colour are the reflective studs between the hard shoulder and the left-hand lane of a motorway?
On UK motorways, the reflective studs between the hard shoulder and the left-hand lane are red. These are sometimes called “cats’ eyes” and are an essential safety feature, especially at night or in poor visibility. Their purpose is to clearly mark the edge of the carriageway, helping drivers to stay within the correct lane and avoid straying onto the hard shoulder unless it’s an emergency.
It’s important for learner drivers to know that each colour of reflective stud has a specific meaning. Red marks the left-hand edge of the carriageway, white studs separate lanes, amber marks the central reservation (the right-hand edge of the carriageway), and green shows slip road entry and exit points. By understanding this colour coding, drivers can orient themselves quickly and safely, even in darkness or fog.
In the theory test, a question on this topic is often straightforward but can be an easy mark to lose if you don’t commit the colours to memory. A good way to remember is: Red = Left, just as red means “stop” or “danger” — it warns you not to go beyond it unless necessary. This simple association helps many learners recall the answer under test conditions.