Raised pavement markers

Raised pavement markers enhance and, in some situations, replace painted pavement markings, being used to provide additional near and medium guidance and delineation for motorists in both day-time and night-time conditions. In some instances, they provide an audible and tactile signal when traversed by vehicles.

Raised pavement markers (RPMs) include:

• permanent non-retroreflective raised pavement markers (typically ceramic domes) that have been used to enhance painted pavement markings;
• permanent retroreflective raised pavement markers (RRPMs), which enhance delineation at night and in wet weather; and
• internally illuminated pavement markers (IIPMs), refer to the special-purpose raised pavement markers section.

Special-purpose raised pavement markers

When selecting locations for the installation of raised pavement markers consideration should be given to the potential for these to be hazardous for users of two wheeled vehicles.  

On textured surfaces, retroreflective raised pavement markers provide a greater level of visibility than standard pavement markings in wet conditions. On finely textured surfaces, painted pavement markings can be very difficult for drivers to see in wet conditions.