What is the purpose of hold short markings (runway holding position markings)?

2-3-5. Holding Position Markings
a. Runway Holding Position Markings. For runways, these markings indicate where aircraft MUST STOP
when approaching a runway. They consist of four yellow lines, two solid and two dashed, spaced six or twelve
inches apart, and extending across the width of the taxiway or runway. The solid lines are always on the side
where the aircraft must hold. There are three locations where runway holding position markings are encountered.
1. Runway Holding Position Markings on Taxiways. These markings identify the locations on a taxiway
where aircraft MUST STOP when a clearance has not been issued to proceed onto the runway. Generally, runway
holding position markings also identify the boundary of the runway safety area (RSA) for aircraft exiting the
runway. Runway holding position markings are shown in FIG 2-3-13 and FIG 2-3-16. When instructed by
ATC, "Hold short of Runway XX," the pilot MUST STOP so that no part of the aircraft extends beyond the runway
holding position marking. When approaching runways at airports with an operating control tower, pilots must
not cross the runway holding position marking without ATC clearance. Pilots approaching runways at airports
without an operating control tower must ensure adequate separation from other aircraft, vehicles, and pedestrians
prior to crossing the holding position markings. An aircraft exiting a runway is not clear of the runway until all
parts of the aircraft have crossed the applicable holding position marking.
NOTE-
Runway holding position markings identify the beginning of an RSA, and a pilot MUST STOP to get clearance before
crossing (at airports with operating control towers).
REFERENCE-
AIM, Para 4-3-21, Exiting the Runway After Landing.
2. Runway Holding Position Markings on Runways. These markings identify the locations on runways
where aircraft MUST STOP. These markings are located on runways used by ATC for Land And Hold Short
Operations (for example, see FIG 4-3-8) and Taxiing operations. For taxiing operations, the pilot MUST STOP
prior to the holding position markings 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. (See FIG 2-3-14.) The
holding position markings are placed on runways prior to the intersection with another runway, or some
designated point. Pilots receiving and accepting instructions "Cleared to land Runway XX, hold short of Runway
YY" from ATC must either exit Runway XX prior to the holding position markings, or stop at the holding position
markings prior to Runway YY . Otherwise, pilots are authorized to use the entire landing length of the runway
and disregard the holding position markings.
3. Holding Position Markings on Taxiways Located in Runway Approach Areas. These markings are
used at some airports where it is necessary to hold an aircraft on a taxiway located in the approach or departure
area of a runway so that the aircraft does not interfere with the operations on that runway. This marking is
collocated with the runway approach/departure area holding position sign. When specifically instructed by ATC,
"Hold short of Runway XX approach or Runway XX departure area," the pilot MUST STOP so that no part of
the aircraft extends beyond the holding position marking. (See Subparagraph 2-3-8b2, Runway Approach Area
Holding Position Sign, and FIG 2-3-15.)
b. Holding Position Markings for Instrument Landing System (ILS). Holding position markings for ILS
critical areas consist of two yellow solid lines spaced two feet apart connected by pairs of solid lines spaced ten
feet apart extending across the width of the taxiway as shown. (See FIG 2-3-16.) A sign with an inscription in
white on a red background is located adjacent to these hold position markings. When instructed by ATC to hold
short of the ILS critical area, pilots MUST STOP so that no part of the aircraft extends beyond the holding
position marking. When approaching the holding position marking, pilots must not cross the marking without
ATC clearance. The ILS critical area is not clear until all parts of the aircraft have crossed the applicable holding
position marking.
REFERENCE-
AIM, Para 1-1-9, Instrument Landing System (ILS).
c. Holding Position Markings for Intersecting Taxiways Holding position markings for intersecting
taxiways consist of a single dashed line extending across the width of the taxiway as shown. (See FIG 2-3-17.)
2-3-14 Airport Marking Aids and Signs

2/20/25 AIM
They are located on taxiways where ATC holds aircraft short of a taxiway intersection. When instructed by ATC,
"Hold short of Taxiway XX," the pilot MUST STOP so that no part of the aircraft extends beyond the holding
position marking. When the marking is not present, the pilot MUST STOP the aircraft at a point which provides
adequate clearance from an aircraft on the intersecting taxiway.
d. Surface Painted Holding Position Signs. Surface painted holding position signs have a red background
with a white inscription and supplement the signs located at the holding position. This type of marking is
normally used where the width of the holding position on the taxiway is greater than 200 feet (60 m). It is located
to the left side of the taxiway centerline on the holding side and prior to the holding position marking. (See
FIG 2-3-11.)
FIG 2-3-12
Geographic Position Markings
Airport Marking Aids and Signs 2-3-15

AIM 2/20/25
FIG 2-3-13
Runway Holding Position Markings on Taxiway

15
RUNWAY TAXIWAY/RUNWAY
HOLDING POSITION
MARKINGS
HOLDING
BAY TAXIWAY
EXAMPLE OF HOLDING POSITION MARKINGS
EXTENDED ACROSS HOLDING BAY
Airport Marking Aids and Signs2-3-16

2/20/25 AIM
FIG 2-3-14
Runway Holding Position Markings on Runways
Airport Marking Aids and Signs 2-3-17

 AIM 2/20/25
FIG 2-3-15
Taxiways Located in Runway Approach and Departure Areas
2-3-18 Airport Marking Aids and Signs

2/20/25 AIM
NOTE-
1.  Refer to Advisory Circular 150/5300-13 for additional information on obstruction surfaces.
2.  Because Taxiway C does not enter the departure area of Runway 33, the sign on Taxiway C does not include the "33 DEP"
legend.
3.  The location of a holding position is relative to the point on the aircraft that infringes the surface; for inclining surfaces
such as an approach surface, the location of the holdline position may differ from the location of the infringement point.
FIG 2-3-16
Holding Position Markings: ILS Critical Area