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Railway crossingChina

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of China. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
China

18. Railway crossing

A railway crossing, also called a level crossing or railroad crossing, is a place where a road or path crosses railway tracks at the same level. It may be protected by barriers, warning lights, bells, traffic signs or a combination of these measures.

Road users must approach carefully and never enter when a train is approaching, warning signals are active or the exit is blocked. They should cross promptly and must never stop, wait or become trapped on the tracks.

Railway crossing in Zhengzhou. (Henan, China)
Wikimedia.org • Windmemories • CC BY-SA
When must drivers stop at a railway level crossing in China?

Obey railway signals and authorised personnel and do not enter against a red signal or closed barrier. Where a level crossing has neither a traffic signal nor a person controlling it, Article 46 requires slowing or stopping and confirming that it is safe before crossing. Do not enter without enough room to clear the tracks.

🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Law Articles 46 and 65; Regulation 43

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text

🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text

Must I stop at every unguarded railway crossing in China?

Article 46 requires slowing or stopping and confirming safety at a railway crossing with neither traffic signals nor a person controlling it. It does not impose one unconditional full-stop duty at every such crossing. A STOP sign or another applicable control can separately require a complete stop.

🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Law Articles 46 and 65; Regulation 43

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text

🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text

What if road traffic is queued beyond a railway crossing in China?

Wait before the tracks until there is room to take your entire vehicle off the crossing. Do not follow another vehicle onto the tracks without checking the exit. Keep the tracks clear even if no train is visible.

🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Law Articles 46 and 65; Regulation 43

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text

🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text

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