Railway crossingSouth Africa
Traffic rules
South Africa
12. 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 • Col André Kritzinger • CC BY-SA
When must drivers stop at a railway level crossing in South Africa?
Obey the crossing’s STOP or YIELD control and any authorised stop instruction. A STOP sign still requires stopping when additional warning lights are not flashing. If red crossing signals are flashing, stop and wait until they cease; do not enter against a closed or moving barrier. Check for trains and enter only when you can clear the tracks.
Must I stop at every unguarded railway crossing in South Africa?
Not simply because it lacks barriers. South African railway crossings may be controlled by a STOP sign or a YIELD sign. Stop fully for STOP; at YIELD, slow down and give way to rail traffic, stopping when necessary. A railway crossbuck identifies the crossing and does not replace its regulatory control. Check both directions and cross only when safe.
What if road traffic is queued beyond a railway crossing in South Africa?
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.
🔗 cmbinary.gauteng.gov.za • South Africa, Gauteng government, National Road Traffic Act and Regulations, historical compiled edition; 🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1 chapter 6, May 2012
