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Level crossing with three-stripe beacon
Level crossing with three-stripe beacon approximately 240 m before the level crossing. The indication of significantly different distances may be given on the three-stripe, two-stripe and single-stripe beacon above the diagonal stripes in black figures.
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When you see the Zeichen
Approach the announced railway crossing at a moderate speed and look out early for light signals, barriers and rail traffic. From this sign onward, you may not overtake motor vehicles up to and including the area where the railway and road cross; you only have to stop when the safety equipment or traffic conditions require it.
Rules
- The three-stripe marker usually announces a railway crossing about 240 m away.
- From Zeichen 156 up to and including the area where the railway and road cross, overtaking motor vehicles is prohibited.
- Rail vehicles have priority at the railway crossing; when the light is red, a barrier is lowering or closed, an audible signal is sounding, or a rail vehicle is visibly approaching, you must wait before the Andreaskreuz.
- If the distance differs significantly from 240 m, the actual distance may be shown in black numerals above the diagonal stripes.
- The sign alone neither imposes a specific maximum speed nor requires you to stop immediately; you must drive at a moderate speed appropriate for the railway crossing.
Tips
- Ease off the accelerator early and check whether traffic is backing up before the railway crossing.
- Remember the sequence of markers as a distance guide: three stripes about 240 m, two about 160 m and one stripe about 80 m before the railway crossing.
- Pay particular attention to a distance indication above the stripes on the three-stripe marker, as it replaces the usual distance.
- Do not begin overtaking after passing the sign, even if the railway crossing still appears to be a long way off.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is interpreted as indicating a general hazard. However, it specifically announces a railway crossing and already activates the overtaking ban for motor vehicles.
- Many learner drivers think they have to stop at the marker. You only have to stop before the railway crossing if, for example, a red light, barrier, signal, rail vehicle or traffic queue makes it necessary.
- The three stripes are mistaken for three railway crossings immediately following one another. Instead, they indicate the first distance marker before a railway crossing.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap concerns when the overtaking ban begins: it does not start only at the Andreaskreuz or the rails, but already at Zeichen 156 and continues up to and including the area where the railway and road cross.
Did you know
The three-, two- and one-stripe markers usually form a visual countdown sequence at intervals of approximately 80 m: about 240 m, 160 m and 80 m before the railway crossing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop immediately at Zeichen 156?
No. You must approach at a moderate speed and be ready to brake; you only have to stop when, for example, a red light, barrier, signal, approaching rail vehicle or traffic conditions make it necessary.
How far is the railway crossing from the three-stripe marker?
As a rule, the distance is about 240 m. If it differs significantly, the actual distance may be shown in black numerals above the diagonal stripes.
May I still overtake a motor vehicle after the three-stripe marker?
No. The overtaking ban begins at Zeichen 156 and continues up to and including the area where the railway and road cross.
Does the sign automatically indicate a specific speed limit?
No, Zeichen 156 does not set a specific maximum speed. However, you must approach the railway crossing at a moderate speed suited to the visibility, safety equipment and traffic conditions.
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