Railway crossings

A crossing is where a mistake costs the most. The rules here are strict and simple: let's sort out when you may go, when you must not, and what to do if the car ends up on the rails.

Approaching the crossing

Slow down and make sure no train is coming. Obey the crossing attendant's instructions, the barrier and the traffic signals — they override everything else. When crossing, give way to an approaching train.

When entry is forbidden

You must not drive onto the crossing if the barrier is closed or starting to close, or if the signal shows red — regardless of the barrier's position. Do not enter either if a queue has formed beyond the crossing that could force you to stop on the rails, or if a vehicle is stopped on the crossing in your direction.

If the car ends up on the rails

If your vehicle is forced to stop on the crossing, get the passengers out at once and do everything you can to clear the crossing. If a train is already approaching, send people along the track toward it and give a stop signal.

Real-world situations

As you approach, the signal starts flashing red and the barrier is slowly lowering.

Stop before the crossing and wait. Entry is forbidden once the barrier is closing or the signal shows red — regardless of the barrier's position.

The barrier is open, but a queue is standing beyond the crossing and your car may not fit.

Do not drive onto the crossing. Wait before it until space clears beyond the crossing, so you never have to stop on the rails.

The car stalls right on the rails and will not restart.

First get all passengers out to a safe place. Then do everything to clear the crossing; if you see a train coming, give a stop signal.

Common mistakes

Trying to slip across once the barrier is already lowering.
Entry is forbidden the moment the barrier starts to close or the red is on. Better to wait than to risk it.
Driving onto the crossing when there is a queue beyond it.
Do not enter if space may run out beyond the crossing — stopping on the rails is deadly.
Stuck on the rails, trying to save the car instead of the people.
Get the passengers out first, then think about the car; life comes first.

Key takeaways

Obey the attendant, barrier and signals — they matter most.
Do not enter if the barrier is closing or the signal shows red.
Do not enter if there is a queue beyond the crossing or a vehicle stopped on it.
Stopped on the rails — get people out first and clear the crossing.

Check yourself

As you approach a crossing, the barrier starts to close. What do you do?

The barrier is open, but a queue is standing beyond the crossing. May you enter?

Your car is forced to stop on the rails. What do you do first?

At a railway crossing

Slow down and listen for an approaching train
Obey the attendant, the barrier and the signals
Do not enter if the barrier is closing or the red is on
Never stop on the rails
Stopped on the rails — get people out and clear the crossing

Frequent questions

May I go if the barrier is open but the signal shows red?

No. Entry is forbidden while the signal shows red, regardless of the barrier's position. Wait until the signal allows it.

What should I do if the car stops on the rails?

Get the passengers out at once and clear the crossing. If a train is approaching, send people along the track and give a stop signal.

May I stop or park on a crossing?

No. You must not stop on a crossing; only enter once you are sure you can cross without stopping.

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