Botts dots

[ bots ]

plural noun

, Slang.

1. small, protruding, reflecting ceramic tiles used on some roads instead of painted lines to mark lanes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Botts dots¹

First recorded in 1965–70; named after Elbert D. Botts (1893–1962), U.S. chemist, who developed them

Example Sentences

And it recently installed small ceramic bumps, called Botts’ dots, at four intersections to deter takeovers.

From Los Angeles Times

Compton, near Willowbrook, spent $4,000 to install pavement markers called Botts Dots at popular intersections for street takeovers in hopes it would discourage the practice by making the road bumpy.

From Los Angeles Times

Botts Dots helped curb street racing in Lynwood and Paramount.

From Los Angeles Times

In fact, it was at times more comfortable than on a conventional motorcycle, because the space between the two front wheels allowed me to straddle the center line and the Botts Dots that sometimes make lane splitting bumpy.

From Los Angeles Times

These days, the most challenging driving environments require self-driving cars to make guidance decisions without white lines, Botts Dots, or clear demarcations at the edge of the road.

From The Verge