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Railway crossingRussia

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

20. 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.

Railway crossing with a stop sign and warning cross. (Uchalinsky District, Bashkortostan, Russia)
Wikimedia.org • Pesotsky • CC BY-SA
When must drivers stop at a railway level crossing in Russia?

At a crossing in Russia, obey red warning signals, barriers, STOP signs and authorised railway personnel. Stop whenever a train is approaching and it is not safe to cross; rules at an unguarded crossing may differ from a crossing controlled by lights or barriers.

🔗 sh380.krsl.gov.spb.ru • Russia — Section 15; signals, barriers, stopping positions and clear exit

🔗 static.government.ru • Government of Russia — enacted Resolution 1088, 28 August 2026, full one-page amendment to document-presentation footnote

Must I stop at every unguarded railway crossing in Russia?

In Russia, the stopping duty depends on the actual STOP or GIVE WAY controls and any additional national or vehicle-specific rule. Look and listen carefully; do not assume a crossing without barriers is automatically safe or that the same stop rule applies in every country.

🔗 sh380.krsl.gov.spb.ru • Russia — Section 15; signals, barriers, stopping positions and clear exit

🔗 static.government.ru • Government of Russia — enacted Resolution 1088, 28 August 2026, full one-page amendment to document-presentation footnote

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

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.

🔗 sh380.krsl.gov.spb.ru • Russia — Section 15; signals, barriers, stopping positions and clear exit

🔗 static.government.ru • Government of Russia — enacted Resolution 1088, 28 August 2026, full one-page amendment to document-presentation footnote

1 Russia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Footpath 7 Bike path 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 One-way traffic 11 Bus lane 12 Bus stop 13 Stop sign 14 Give way 15 Roundabout 16 Priority road 17 Priority over oncoming traffic 18 Give way to oncoming traffic 19 Pedestrian crossing 20 Railway crossing 21 Mandatory direction 22 School area 23 Overtaking 24 Crossing animals 25 Slippery road 26 Curve 27 Wrong-way driving 28 Roadworks 29 Height limit 30 Traffic lights 31 Pedestrian lights 32 Road markings 33 Driving licence 34 Location marker 35 Countdown markers 36 Emergency telephone 37 Parking 38 No stopping 39 Disabled parking 40 Reversing 41 Road surface 42 Provisional licence 43 Emergency exit 44 City limit 45 Tourist attraction 46 Horn 47 Licence plate 48 Charging station 49 Cyclist 50 Moped 51 Motorcycle 52 Bus 53 Police 54 Ambulance 55 Taxi 56 Pothole 57 Path 58 Particulates 59 Air pollution 60 Intersection 61 Rush hour 62 Road code 63 Street gutter 64 Cargo bike 65 Forestry vehicle 66 Construction vehicle 67 Semi-trailer truck 68 Trolleybus 69 Speed pedelec 70 Delivery vehicle 71 Idling 72 Tow truck 73 Four-wheel drive 74 Bicycle 75 Motorcycle equipment 76 Tram 77 Train 78 Rail track 79 Caravan 80 Trailer 81 Tow hitch 82 Fire truck 83 Siren 84 Convoy 85 Emergency vehicle lighting 86 Agricultural machinery 87 Electric bicycle 88 Electric vehicle 89 Pedelec 90 Quadricycle 91 Microcar 92 All-terrain vehicle 93 Van 94 Recreational vehicle 95 Scooter 96 Trikke 97 Personal mobility device 98 Skateboard 99 Segway 100 Kick scooter ...