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Distance sign
The sign gives advance warning of a level crossing indicated by sign 134 or 135.
When you see the sign
Be aware that you are approaching a railway level crossing, and start adjusting your speed so that you can stop before the crossing. Look out for the next distance signs, sign 134 or 135, traffic signals, barriers and trains.
Rules
- Skilt 136.3 has three diagonal stripes and is the first distance sign, placed furthest from the railway level crossing.
- The sign warns of a railway level crossing that is later indicated by sign 134 for a railway level crossing with a gate or barrier, or sign 135 for a railway level crossing without a gate or barrier.
- Three diagonal stripes do not indicate three railway level crossings or a specific distance in metres; they show that this is the first of three successive warnings.
- The sign itself does not require you to stop, but the driver must be able to stop if the signal, barrier, train or traffic conditions require it.
- At the railway level crossing, the driver must give way to trains and never enter if there is not enough space to clear the crossing completely.
Tips
- Release the accelerator early and assess whether visibility, road conditions and traffic make further speed reduction necessary.
- Use the sequence of three, two and one diagonal stripe as a countdown towards the railway level crossing.
- Look out for a flashing red light and barrier, but also check for yourself whether a train is approaching, especially at a railway level crossing without a barrier.
- Avoid overtaking or other manoeuvres that could distract you from the warning signs and the railway level crossing.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think the three stripes mean that the railway level crossing is exactly 300 metres away. The stripes provide a successive warning and do not in themselves indicate a specific distance in metres.
- The sign is confused with an ordinary warning sign for a bend or a narrower road, even though the stripes warn of a countdown to a railway level crossing.
- Some people think three stripes indicate the sign closest to the railway. The opposite is true: 136.3 is furthest away, while the sign with one stripe is closest.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- AIt warns of several dangerous bends, the first of which is to the right.
- BIt warns of the first step in a countdown toward a railway level crossing.
- CIt warns that the road becomes narrower from both sides.
- DIt warns of a railway level crossing exactly 300 meters farther ahead.
Medium
You see this sign and are approaching the railway level crossing farther ahead. There is a queue on the other side, and you do not have room to get completely across. What do you do?
- AI stop at this sign and wait until the railway level crossing is completely clear.
- BI drive onto the railway level crossing and wait until the queue starts moving.
- CI stop before the railway level crossing and wait until there is room on the other side.
- DI drive slowly across the railway level crossing if I cannot see any train.
Hard
Which statement about the position of this sign is correct?
- AIt is always 300 meters from the railway level crossing, regardless of the road conditions.
- BIt is closest to the railway level crossing, while the sign with one stripe is farthest away.
- CIt is farthest from the railway level crossing, while the sign with one stripe is closest.
- DIt is at the third railway level crossing, while one stripe warns of the first.
Theory test tip
A typical trick question asks which distance sign is closest to the railway level crossing. Choose the sign with one diagonal stripe, not 136.3 with three; three stripes indicate the first warning and are placed furthest away.
Did you know
The distance signs usually form a visual countdown: 136.3 with three stripes comes first, followed by 136.2 with two stripes and finally 136.1 with one stripe closest to the railway level crossing.
Frequently asked questions
What does sign 136.3 warn you about?
It warns that you are approaching a railway level crossing indicated by sign 134 or 135. The sign with three diagonal stripes is the first warning and is placed furthest from the crossing.
Do I have to stop at the distance sign?
No, the sign does not require you to stop there. However, you must adjust your speed and be prepared to stop before the railway level crossing.
Do three diagonal stripes mean that the railway level crossing is 300 metres away?
No, the stripes do not indicate a fixed distance in metres. They show the sign's position in the successive warning sequence towards the railway level crossing.
Which distance sign comes after 136.3?
Normally, 136.2 with two diagonal stripes follows, and then 136.1 with one diagonal stripe closest to the railway level crossing. The sequence functions as a countdown.
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