Explaining Reflective Studs On The Motorway

If you drive regularly at night, there’s one thing you’ll have noticed on the motorway as you power along at 70mph.

Colourful, eye-catching and incredibly informative - reflective studs of various colours have been on British roads since 1937.

More often known as cat’s eyes - due to the reflective quality they possess, like their feline counterparts - these spring-loaded reflective studs were patented in 1934 before becoming a permanent fixture on the UK road network just three years later.

These reflective studs support road users' safety by supporting drivers to stay in the correct lane for their destination, whilst improving visibility in the dark or during poor weather.

What colours are the reflective studs on the motorway?

You’ll find four different colours of studs on the motorway. The colours you’ll spot are:

• White
• Red
• Amber/Yellow
• Green

White has different uses based on its surrounding markings, whilst green and yellow are semi-permanent, sometimes alternating between the two colours, denote temporary lane changes or roadworks.

What does each stud colour on the motorway mean?

White Studs

These are probably the most seen type of reflective stud - you’ll see these both on the motorway and on most A Roads.

The white studs demarcate the difference between lanes to stop you drifting in treacherous weather. On a standard A road, the white studs will show the middle of the road, keeping you apart from oncoming traffic.

Red Studs

In this case, red is a warning!

You’ll see red reflective studs marking the left edge of the motorway, either between lane one and the hard shoulder

Amber Studs

Opposite to red cat’s eyes, amber reflective studs sit on the outer edge of the inside lane and show the gap between the carriageway and the central reservation. These stop road users from drifting from the outer lane into the main barrier.

Green Studs

Green is for ‘go!’

Green studs mark the difference between the carriageway and junctions, slip roads or access roads.

If you see green studs, it might be time to ‘mirror, signal, manoeuvre’ as you head nearer to your destination.

Yellow Studs (sometimes green!)

These are often used to show temporary lane changes if there’s work happening on the carriageway. 

Look out for these, as you may be being directed to change your usual position on the road layout.

How do cats eyes work?

Like a mirror, the cat's eyes contain a glass sphere that supports the return of light (coloured in many of the cases we see above) back to the driver.

The reflector is housed in a mixture of rubber and cast iron to make sure they’re flexible and stable, meaning every road user can drive over them without them shattering.

Once a vehicle drives over the reflective stud, it compresses into a recess and ‘self cleans’ - using rain water to wash the housing and make sure they work effectively and efficiently.

Feeling tired whilst driving at night? Time for a Roadchef break

It's recommended that you take a break from driving every two hours. This is to let your brain switch off from the stresses and strain of the road, especially the extra focus you have to pay when driving at night. 

Worry not, because with 31 locations across the UK, Roadchef are here 24/7, 365 days a year to help you with a comfortable, warm place to rest, recharge and reinvigorate for the road ahead. 

All 31 sites boast Costa Coffee serve your favourite hot and cold drinks for that late-night caffeine boost, whilst many of our McDonald's are open 24/7 for that late-night Big Mac or McFlurry treat. I

If tiredness is getting the better of you, then we operate best-in-class hotels across 17 key motorway locations. With room's from just £40-a-night, in locations just off the motorway, you can get a good night's sleep and back on the road the following morning with ease.