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Single-stripe beacon
Single-stripe beacon approximately 80 m before the level crossing
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When you see the Zeichen
Expect to reach the railway crossing in about 80 m and reduce your speed so that you can see the tracks and any light signals in good time. Watch for barriers, flashing or other light signals, and the traffic ahead of you. If you are required to stop, stop at a sufficient distance.
Rules
- The one-stripe marker indicates the final distance stage before a railway crossing, which is normally about 80 m away.
- The sign itself neither imposes a specific maximum speed nor requires you to stop.
- You may approach the railway crossing only at a moderate speed.
- If red light signals or a red flashing light indicate Halt, the barriers are being lowered, or a rail vehicle is visibly approaching, you must wait before the Andreaskreuz or the stop line.
- The distance of about 80 m is a guideline; a different local distance may apply and may be indicated by a Zusatzzeichen.
Tips
- Take your foot off the accelerator by the time you reach the one-stripe marker at the latest, and check whether traffic has already backed up before the crossing.
- Look specifically for light signals, barriers, the Andreaskreuz and rail vehicles; do not rely solely on an open barrier.
- Enter the railway crossing only if you can clear it completely without stopping.
- Be particularly careful in darkness, fog or on roads with poor visibility, as the railway crossing may be just beyond the marker.
Common misunderstandings
- The one-stripe marker is confused with the three-stripe marker: one stripe means about 80 m, while three stripes mean about 240 m to the railway crossing.
- Some learner drivers believe they must always stop at the marker. In fact, the obligation to wait arises only from the specific situation or from corresponding signals at the railway crossing.
- An open barrier is incorrectly understood as unrestricted permission to proceed. Before entering, you must still check that the crossing is clear and that you can clear it completely.
Exam tip
In exam questions, the number of stripes is often the trap: Zeichen 162 warns of a railway crossing in about 80 m, but by itself it neither requires a mandatory stop nor specifies a particular speed.
Did you know
The markers traditionally indicate a sequence of distances: three stripes mean about 240 m, two mean about 160 m and one stripe means about 80 m to the railway crossing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop at the one-stripe marker?
No, the marker is only a Gefahrzeichen and a distance indicator. You must stop in particular for a red light, a red flashing light, barriers that are being lowered or are closed, a stop sign, or when a rail vehicle is approaching.
How far away is the railway crossing after Zeichen 162?
As a rule, it is about 80 m beyond the one-stripe marker. The actual distance may vary locally and may be indicated by a Zusatzzeichen where applicable.
May I continue driving if the barrier is open?
Yes, but only if there are no other stop signals, no rail vehicle is approaching and you can clear the crossing completely. If traffic is backed up, you must not drive onto the tracks.
What speed applies from the one-stripe marker?
The sign does not prescribe a fixed speed. However, you must approach the railway crossing at a moderate speed adapted to visibility, traffic and local conditions.
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