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Level crossing with barrier
The sign warns of a level crossing with a barrier.
When you see the sign
Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop before the level crossing. Look for lights, audible signals and the barrier, and only cross when you can clear the entire crossing without having to stop on the tracks.
Rules
- You must give way to trains and other rail vehicles at the level crossing.
- You must stop when the red lights are flashing, the audible signal is sounding, or the barrier is down or being lowered.
- You must not enter the level crossing if a queue or other obstruction means you could end up stopped on the tracks.
- It is prohibited to overtake another vehicle immediately before or on the level crossing.
- It is prohibited to stop on the level crossing or within 5 metres of it.
Tips
- Release the accelerator early and check the traffic behind you before braking, if necessary.
- Look in both directions along the tracks, even when the barrier is up and the signal is not showing red.
- Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front so that you can clear the entire crossing without stopping.
- Wait until the barrier is fully raised and the warning signal has stopped before driving.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think that an open barrier guarantees that no train is coming. The driver must still make sure that the crossing can be passed safely.
- Some people mistake the sign for a warning of a narrower road because the symbol may be perceived as diagonal lines.
- Some people follow the vehicle in front onto the tracks without checking that there is enough space on the other side.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- AIt warns of a level crossing without a barrier.
- BIt warns of a narrower road.
- CIt warns of dangerous bends.
- DIt warns of a level crossing with a barrier.
Medium
The barrier is up, but the queue means that your car may come to a stop on the tracks. What should you do?
- AFollow the car in front as long as the barrier remains fully up.
- BPass the queue and drive across first while the barrier is up.
- CWait before the crossing until there is space on the other side.
- DDrive onto the crossing and wait until the queue moves.
Hard
You want to stop at the crossing. Which position does not violate the distance rule?
- AStopping briefly on the crossing when the track is empty
- BStopping directly in front of the crossing when the barrier is up
- CStopping exactly 4 metres from the crossing
- DStopping exactly 5 metres from the crossing
Theory test tip
Look for the barrier symbol on the sign. A common trap is to confuse it with the sign for a level crossing without a barrier or with the warning sign for a narrower road.
Did you know
Before a level crossing, there may also be distance signs with three, two and one diagonal stripe. They show in stages that you are approaching the crossing and help the driver adjust their speed in good time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive when the barrier is up?
Yes, but only when the signals are not giving a warning and you have checked that the crossing is clear. You must also have enough space to drive all the way across without stopping on the tracks.
What should I do if a red light starts flashing?
Stop before the stop line, signal or barrier. Do not continue even if you cannot see the train yet.
Can I drive around a lowered barrier if I cannot see a train?
No. A lowered or descending barrier must be obeyed, and you must wait until the barrier is fully raised and the warning has ended.
Can I enter the crossing when the car in front is moving slowly?
Only if there is enough space on the other side for the entire car to clear the tracks. You must never risk being left stopped on the level crossing.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
