Rail trackBrazil

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


48. 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 Brazil 2 Speed limit 3 Speed bump 4 Slope 5 Stop sign 6 Roundabout 7 Pedestrian crossing 8 Railway crossing 9 Turn prohibition 10 School area 11 Traffic lights 12 Traffic lights warning 13 Pedestrian lights 14 Driving licence 15 Location marker 16 No stopping 17 Disabled parking 18 Reversing 19 Oversize load 20 Tourist attraction 21 Horn 22 Charging station 23 Cyclist 24 Bus 25 Police 26 Ambulance 27 Pothole 28 Path 29 Particulates 30 Air pollution 31 Rush hour 32 Road code 33 Two-way traffic 34 Street gutter 35 Cargo bike 36 Forestry vehicle 37 Construction vehicle 38 Semi-trailer truck 39 Trolleybus 40 Speed pedelec 41 Delivery vehicle 42 Idling 43 Tow truck 44 Four-wheel drive 45 Bicycle 46 Motorcycle equipment 47 Tram 48 Rail track 49 Caravan 50 Trailer 51 Tow hitch 52 Fire truck 53 Siren 54 Convoy 55 Emergency vehicle lighting 56 Agricultural machinery 57 Electric bicycle 58 Electric vehicle 59 Pedelec 60 Quadricycle 61 Microcar 62 All-terrain vehicle 63 Van 64 Recreational vehicle 65 Scooter 66 Trikke 67 Personal mobility device 68 Skateboard 69 Segway 70 Kick scooter 71 Roller skates 72 Mailman 73 Hitchhiker 74 Toddler 75 Child 76 Disability 77 Motorail 78 km/h 79 mph 80 Speedometer 81 Ride height 82 Dirt road 83 Driving 84 Start-stop system 85 Manual transmission 86 Automatic transmission 87 Throttle 88 Tachometer 89 Steering wheel 90 Power steering 91 Visual scanning 92 Mirror 93 Fuel 94 Fuel gauge 95 Petrol 96 Diesel 97 Diesel exhaust fluid 98 Car insurance 99 First aid kit 100 Fire extinguisher ...