［Objective］This study aims to quantify the carbon emission of road traffic markings.［Methods］ Using the life cycle assessment（LCA）method，a life cycle inventory database was established for the carbon emission from road traffic markings，from covering the stages of material production，construction and maintenance. The SUMO simulation software was used to quantify thecarbon emission from traffic delay during the maintenance stage of road traffic markings，thereby forming a complete carbon emission quantification framework and accounting model. The carbon emission of waterborne road traffic marking and hot melt road traffic marking were compared and analyzed based on the above database and accounting model.［Results］The total carbon emission of waterborne road traffic marking was 288. 62 kg CO2e/（100 m²）. Emissions follow the pattern： “maintenance（62. 73%）>construction>materials production”，with traffic delay emissions being thepredominant source during the maintenance stage. The total carbon emission of hot melt road trafficmarking was 854. 66 kg CO2e/（100 m²），and the carbon emission of the material production andmaintenance stage accounting for 43. 41% and 43. 36% respectively. Carbon emissions at each stagewere significantly higher than for waterborne marking.［Conclusion］ This study established a framework for quantifying the carbon emissions of road traffic markings. The results indicated thatdeveloping rapid-opening traffic marking materials is an effective approach to reducing the carbonemissions of waterborne road traffic markings.