Road markings that baffle many drivers could lead to fines if motorists do not navigate them correctly. However, numerous motorists remain clueless about their meaning or how to navigate them. It's an all too familiar sight on our roads to spot vehicles stranded within these yellow boxes due to lack of attention to or ignorance of the rules.

These painted squares are strategically placed to maintain traffic flow on congested roads. They are typically located at bustling junctions, roundabouts, and traffic lights.

Their purpose is to ensure a gap is left when traffic is queuing to prevent obstruction of other vehicles' paths, facilitating smooth traffic flow and averting gridlock. Halting inside a yellow box and blocking the way can trigger chaos, inciting unnecessary delays and leading to the honking of horns from irritated drivers, reports Birmingham Live.

The only occasion when vehicles can halt within them is while waiting for the path to be clear when turning right.

A frequent error sees drivers enter the box before ensuring the path ahead is clear.

A driver may venture into the box without intending to violate any rules but find themselves stranded because there is a stationary vehicle in front of them. They may then bear the brunt of other drivers' frustration.

Some local authorities are using fresh powers from the Department of Transport to penalise motorists over yellow box violations.

A recent survey disclosed that 29% of drivers were baffled by yellow box regulations and were unable to clarify what they were.

Motoring firm cinch explained: "Starting off with a common cause of confusion, yellow box junctions are designed to keep the flow of traffic moving at busy junctions. They're marked with criss-cross yellow lines forming a box in the middle of the junction.

"The rule is simple: you can only enter the box when your exit is clear or if you're turning right and your turn is obstructed by oncoming traffic (or if you're queuing behind other vehicles waiting to turn right). The idea is to prevent gridlock caused by cars straddling the junction and stopping the flow of traffic.

"If you're stationary in a yellow box (unless turning right), obstructing intersecting traffic, you could be hit with a fine of around £130."

Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, said: "It can sometimes be hard to judge whether your exit is clear before entering, which is when most people are caught out at yellow box junctions.

"Your best bet is to play it safe and only enter the box when you can see that there's space on the other side."