Railway crossingUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
22. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Glen Wallace • CC BY-SA
When must I stop at a level crossing in Great Britain?
Stop behind the line when red lights flash, when a barrier is closing or an authorised signal requires you to stop. Do not cross merely because one train has passed if the lights are still flashing.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 291–299: level crossings
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: level crossing signs and signals (Great Britain)
Must I stop at every unguarded railway crossing in Great Britain?
At an open crossing with a Give Way sign, look both ways, listen and make sure no train is coming before crossing. Obey any STOP sign. At user-operated crossings without lights, stop, look and listen, and use the railway telephone if provided.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 291–299: level crossings
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: level crossing signs and signals (Great Britain)
Warning for a railway crossing with barriers.
English • GB diagram 770 • Level crossing with a gate or barrier. A railway level crossing with gates or barriers is ahead.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs
SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2024-11-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Legislation.gov.uk • official published diagram 770.
Warning for a railway crossing without barriers.
English • GB diagram 771 • Level crossing without a gate or barrier. A railway level crossing without gates or barriers is ahead.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs
SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2024-11-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Legislation.gov.uk • official published diagram 771.
Warning for a railway crossing with one track.
English • GB diagram 774 • Level crossing without a gate or barrier. This sign marks the location of a railway or tramway level crossing without gates or barriers. It does not indicate a specific number of tracks.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs
SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2024-11-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Legislation.gov.uk • official published diagram 774.
What if road traffic is queued beyond a railway crossing in Great Britain?
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.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 291–299: level crossings
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: level crossing signs and signals (Great Britain)
Can I cross after a train has passed if the warning lights are still active in Great Britain?
No. Remain behind the stopping position until the crossing signals permit travel and barriers are fully clear. Another train may be approaching on a different track.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 291–299: level crossings
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: level crossing signs and signals (Great Britain)
