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Railway crossingWorldwide

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Worldwide. 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
Worldwide

36. 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.

Warning for a railroad crossing in 30 metres. (Chemnitz-Einsiedel, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Kleeblatt187 • CC BY-SA
What is a railway crossing?

A railway crossing is a place where a road or path crosses railway tracks at the same level.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 19, level crossings; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 33–36 and Annex 1, section A, level-crossing signs; sign-system reference

What is the difference between a crossing with and without barriers?

A protected crossing uses full or partial barriers to block road traffic when a train approaches. A crossing without barriers relies on signs, lights, bells or the road user’s own observation.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 19, level crossings; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 33–36 and Annex 1, section A, level-crossing signs; sign-system reference

Warning for a railway crossing with barriers. Warning for a railway crossing with barriers.

Warning for a railway crossing without barriers. Warning for a railway crossing without barriers.

Warning for a railway crossing with one track. Warning for a railway crossing with one track.

Warning for a railway crossing with two or more tracks. Warning for a railway crossing with two or more tracks.

Must you always stop at a railway crossing?

Not in every case. Stop whenever required by signs, signals, barriers, an authorised person or national rules for your vehicle. Even without a stop requirement, approach cautiously, check for trains and enter only when you can clear the tracks completely.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 19, level crossings; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 33–36 and Annex 1, section A, level-crossing signs; sign-system reference

What should you do at a crossing without lights or barriers?

Reduce speed, look and listen carefully in both directions and cross only after making sure that no train or other rail vehicle is approaching.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 19, level crossings; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 33–36 and Annex 1, section A, level-crossing signs; sign-system reference

Do the crossing signals apply to pedestrians and cyclists?

Yes. Pedestrians and cyclists must obey barriers, lights, bells and authorised personnel in the same way as other road users.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 19, level crossings; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 33–36 and Annex 1, section A, level-crossing signs; sign-system reference

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