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Railway crossingSwitzerland

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

27. 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.

Stadler GTW train passing through a railway crossing. (Sutz-Lattrigen, Canton of Bern, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • DidiWeidmann • CC BY-SA
When must drivers stop at a railway level crossing in Switzerland?

Stop for closed or closing barriers, flashing red lights, steady red lights and audible crossing signals. Without barriers or signals, stop when a rail vehicle approaches. Obey any other installed stop control and check that the crossing is clear.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland, OSR, articles 68 and 93, official Fedlex edition of 1 October 2026; 🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland, LCR, articles 28, 33–38, official Fedlex edition of 1 July 2026

Must I stop at every unguarded railway crossing in Switzerland?

Not solely because barriers are absent. Where a crossbuck has no warning lights, check for yourself that no rail vehicle is approaching and the crossing is clear. Stop when a train approaches or any installed control requires it.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland, OSR, articles 68 and 93, official Fedlex edition of 1 October 2026

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

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.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland, OCR, articles 6, 12, 24 and 47, official Fedlex edition of 1 October 2026

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