Rail trackDenmark

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


61. Rail track

A rail track is a pair of rails used to guide trams, trains or other rail vehicles. Tracks may run alongside a road, cross it or be embedded directly in the carriageway so that rail vehicles and other road users travel through the same area.

Road users should take particular care around tracks because rail vehicles cannot steer around obstacles and require considerable distance to stop. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians must follow the applicable priority rules, traffic lights, warning signs and crossing rules and must avoid unnecessarily obstructing the tracks.

Rail track
Railway tracks and signal. (Örebro, Sweden)
Wikimedia.org • Fifo • CC BY-SA
What is a track?

A track consists of rails that guide trams, trains or other rail vehicles. Tracks may be separated from ordinary traffic or incorporated into a road.

Can tram tracks run along an ordinary road?

Yes. Tram tracks may be embedded in the carriageway and share part of the road with other traffic, depending on the local road layout and traffic rules.

Who has priority when a road crosses tram tracks?

The applicable priority rules vary between countries, but rail vehicles commonly receive special priority because they cannot leave their tracks. Always obey traffic lights, signs and local rules.

Can you drive on tram tracks?

This depends on the road layout and local regulations. Tracks incorporated into an ordinary traffic lane may sometimes be used by other vehicles, while reserved tram tracks or separate railway tracks may not.

Can you stop or park on railway or tram tracks?

You should never stop or park where your vehicle would obstruct a rail vehicle. Local traffic law may specifically prohibit stopping or parking on or close to tracks.

Why are tracks dangerous for cyclists and motorcyclists?

Wheels can slip on wet rails or become trapped in the groove beside a rail. Riders should cross tracks carefully and, where possible, at an angle that reduces the risk of a wheel following the rail groove.

Should you follow a tram closely?

No. Maintain sufficient distance so that you can react safely if the tram stops, passengers enter the roadway or traffic conditions change.

Can pedestrians cross tram tracks?

Yes, where crossing is permitted, but pedestrians should carefully check for approaching rail vehicles and obey pedestrian lights and crossing restrictions.

Is a tram track the same as a railway level crossing?

No. Tram tracks can be incorporated directly into a street or carriageway. A railway level crossing is a specific place where a road or path crosses railway tracks, usually with dedicated warning signs or signals.

What should you do if traffic stops while you are crossing tracks?

Do not enter a track crossing unless there is enough space to clear it completely. Never deliberately stop where a tram or train could be blocked.

1 Denmark 2 Motorway 3 Built-up area 4 Speed limit 5 Footpath 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Bus stop 9 Give way 10 Roundabout 11 Railway crossing 12 Crossing animals 13 Wrong-way driving 14 Selective barriers 15 Traffic lights 16 Pedestrian lights 17 Road markings 18 Driving licence 19 Traffic mirror 20 International border 21 Cycling route 22 Parking 23 No parking 24 No stopping 25 Parallel parking 26 Parking meter 27 Parking disc 28 Disabled parking 29 Traffic management 30 Reversing 31 Emergency exit 32 Licence plate 33 Charging station 34 Dangers 35 Cyclist 36 Bus 37 Police 38 Ambulance 39 European emission standard 40 Pothole 41 Path 42 Particulates 43 Air pollution 44 Rush hour 45 Road code 46 Street gutter 47 Cargo bike 48 Forestry vehicle 49 Construction vehicle 50 Semi-trailer truck 51 Trolleybus 52 Speed pedelec 53 Delivery vehicle 54 Idling 55 Tow truck 56 Four-wheel drive 57 No vehicles 58 Bicycle 59 Motorcycle equipment 60 Tram 61 Rail track 62 Caravan 63 Trailer 64 Tow hitch 65 Fire truck 66 Siren 67 Convoy 68 Emergency vehicle lighting 69 Agricultural machinery 70 Electric bicycle 71 Electric vehicle 72 Pedelec 73 Quadricycle 74 Microcar 75 All-terrain vehicle 76 Van 77 Recreational vehicle 78 Scooter 79 Trikke 80 Personal mobility device 81 Skateboard 82 Segway 83 Kick scooter 84 Roller skates 85 Mailman 86 Hitchhiker 87 Toddler 88 Child 89 Disability 90 Commercial vehicle 91 Motorail 92 Garbage truck 93 Parking violation 94 km/h 95 mph 96 Speedometer 97 National speed 98 Ride height 99 Dirt road 100 Driving ...