Runway Holding Position Markings

Runway holding position markings are provided near all runway/taxiway intersections and runway/runway intersections to protect the operational environment of the runway in use. They may also be established at other locations to protect the arrival and departure flight paths to a runway. The standard runway holding position marking consists of two solid and two dashed lines. Runway holding position markings identify the locations on runways and taxiways where aircraft must stop unless explicitly authorized to cross by ATC. A sign with a white inscription on a red background is located adjacent to these holding position markings. 

Some airports may have multiple runway holding position markings on a given taxiway. These additional markings generally mark the beginning of the ILS critical area and have a ladder-type pattern. A critical area refers to a designated area of an airport that all aircraft, vehicles, persons or physical obstructions must remain clear of when an Instrument Landing System (ILS) is in use, to protect against signal interference or attenuation that may lead to navigation errors. It is typically placed further away from the runway than the standard runway holding position markings.