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Level crossing
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When you see the Zeichen
Reduce your speed and approach the announced level crossing with increased attention. Watch for light signals, barriers, audible signals, the Andreaskreuz and whether you can cross the crossing completely.
Rules
- From sign 151 up to and including the intersection area of the road and rails, motor vehicles may not overtake.
- You must approach the level crossing at a moderate speed; sign 151 alone does not prescribe a fixed maximum speed.
- Rail vehicles have priority at a level crossing marked with an Andreaskreuz.
- At a red flashing light, yellow or red light signal, a lowering or closed barrier, an audible signal or an approaching rail vehicle, you must wait before the level crossing.
- In slow-moving traffic, you may drive onto the level crossing only if you can clear it completely without stopping.
Tips
- Take your foot off the accelerator early and check both directions along the tracks, even if there is no barrier.
- Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front so that you do not come to a stop on the tracks.
- Expect limited visibility of the tracks behind bends, buildings or vegetation.
- Cross the tracks promptly, but without accelerating sharply or changing gear while crossing if this could cause the vehicle to stall.
Common misunderstandings
- Zeichen 151 is confused with Zeichen 101, the “hazardous location” sign. The locomotive symbol on Zeichen 151 explicitly indicates an approaching level crossing.
- Some learner drivers believe that they must stop at every Zeichen 151. A Halt is only required if the safety equipment or the traffic situation makes it necessary.
- An open barrier is often interpreted as complete clearance to proceed. Nevertheless, you must cross attentively and only if you can continue safely.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap is the question about overtaking: The ban on overtaking Kraftfahrzeuge begins at Zeichen 151 and only ends beyond the junction area of the road and tracks.
Did you know
Zeichen 151 announces the level crossing, while the Andreaskreuz immediately at the crossing indicates the priority of rail traffic. Outside built-up areas, three-stripe, two-stripe and single-stripe marker posts can indicate the decreasing distance to the level crossing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to stop at Zeichen 151?
No, Zeichen 151 is a Gefahrzeichen and does not by itself require a Halt. However, you must wait if traffic lights, barriers, signals, an approaching rail vehicle or the traffic situation makes this necessary.
What speed limit applies from Zeichen 151 onward?
There is no general fixed speed. You must approach at a moderate speed adapted to visibility, the road surface and the safety arrangements at the level crossing.
May I still overtake a slow-moving Kraftfahrzeug after Zeichen 151?
No, Kraftfahrzeuge may not be overtaken from Zeichen 151 up to and including the junction area. This also applies when the barriers are open and no train is visible.
What is the difference between Zeichen 151 and the Andreaskreuz?
Zeichen 151 warns in advance of a level crossing. The Andreaskreuz is located at the crossing and indicates that rail traffic has priority.
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