Teorio
St Andrew's cross (Andreaskreuz)
Prohibition or requirement 1. Anyone driving a vehicle must give priority to rail traffic. 2. Anyone driving a vehicle must not stop up to 10 m before this sign if this would obscure it. 3. Anyone driving a vehicle must not park before and after this sign a) within built-up areas (signs 310 and 311) up to 5 m in each direction, b) outside built-up areas up to 50 m in each direction. 4. An Zusatzzeichen with a black arrow indicates that the Andreaskreuz applies only to road traffic in the direction of this arrow. Explanation The sign (also when lying horizontally) is located before the level crossing, generally immediately before it. A lightning arrow in the middle of the Andreaskreuz indicates that the railway line has a live overhead contact line.
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When you see the Zeichen
Reduce your speed, observe the railway crossing and give way to every rail vehicle. If a train is approaching, or if you are not permitted to cross the railway crossing because of a red light, a closed or lowering barrier, or a railway employee ordering Halt, you must wait before the Andreaskreuz.
Rules
- Rail vehicles have priority at the Andreaskreuz; this also applies to slowly moving or shunting trains.
- You must not stop up to 10 m before the sign if this would obscure the Andreaskreuz.
- Within a geschlossene Ortschaft, parking is prohibited up to 5 m before and after the Andreaskreuz.
- Outside a geschlossene Ortschaft, parking is prohibited up to 50 m before and after the Andreaskreuz.
- A Zusatzzeichen with a black arrow limits the sign's validity to traffic travelling in the direction of the arrow; a lightning arrow on the Andreaskreuz indicates an overhead line carrying voltage.
Tips
- Approach in such a way that you can stop safely before the Andreaskreuz, and watch for rail vehicles in both directions.
- Do not cross the tracks until you can clear them completely without stopping; if traffic is backed up, do not drive onto the railway crossing.
- Do not rely solely on barriers or light signals; also watch for visual and audible signals.
- When waiting, keep a sufficient distance from the tracks and remain before the Andreaskreuz or the Halt line.
Common misunderstandings
- The Andreaskreuz is confused with Zeichen 205: it does not generally mean „Vorfahrt gewähren“, but specifically gives priority to rail traffic.
- Some learner drivers believe that trains have no priority when the barriers are open. The priority of rail traffic applies because of the Andreaskreuz, regardless of this.
- The distances are confused: stopping in a way that obstructs visibility is prohibited up to 10 m before it, while the parking prohibition applies within a geschlossene Ortschaft up to 5 m and outside a geschlossene Ortschaft up to 50 m before and after the sign.
Exam tip
Exam questions often combine the different distances: 10 m applies only to stopping before the sign if it would otherwise be obscured; for parking, however, 5 m applies within a geschlossene Ortschaft and 50 m outside a geschlossene Ortschaft, in each case before and after the Andreaskreuz.
Did you know
The name comes from the apostle Andrew, who, according to tradition, died on a diagonally crossed cross. The sign may also be installed horizontally and is generally located immediately before the railway crossing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to come to a complete stop at the Andreaskreuz?
No, the Andreaskreuz alone does not generally require you to stop. However, you must approach in such a way that you can observe the priority of rail traffic and stop in good time if necessary.
Where must I wait if a train is approaching?
You must wait before the Andreaskreuz, or before the Halt line if there is one. You must not stand on the tracks or in the danger zone of the railway crossing.
May I drive across the tracks immediately when the barriers are open?
Only if no rail vehicle is approaching, no light or sound signals require you to wait, and you can clear the crossing completely. If traffic is slow-moving or stationary, you must not drive onto the tracks.
What does the lightning arrow in the middle of the Andreaskreuz mean?
It identifies a railway line with an overhead line carrying voltage. This is particularly important for tall vehicles, loads and work near the overhead line.
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