What are the wide white lines painted across a traffic lane before entering an intersection called?

The wide white lines painted across a traffic lane before entering an intersection are called stop lines. These lines indicate where a vehicle must come to a complete stop when there is a stop sign or a traffic signal directing them to do so. They help to ensure that vehicles remain safely behind a designated point, allowing for clear visibility of oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Stop lines also play an important role in promoting orderly traffic flow, as they provide a consistent visual cue for drivers, reminding them to stop at the correct point. Proper adherence to these lines contributes to safer intersections, as it prevents vehicles from encroaching into crosswalks or other lanes, which can lead to accidents. Other types of lines, such as crosswalk lines, are specifically designed for pedestrian crossings, while yield lines and lane markings serve different purposes related to traffic control and lane designations.