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Level crossing with barrier
The sign warns of a level crossing with a barrier.
When you see the sign
Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop before the level crossing. Look for light signals, audible signals and the barrier, and only cross when it is clear and you can pass all the way over without stopping on the tracks.
Rules
- The sign warns of a level crossing where traffic is controlled by a barrier.
- You must stop if the barrier is down or moving, or if a red light or audible signal warns that a train is approaching.
- You must not enter the level crossing if a queue or other obstacles mean that you cannot get completely across.
- Even if the barrier is raised, you must approach the level crossing with particular caution and make sure that it is safe to cross.
Tips
- Release the accelerator early and choose a speed that allows you to stop smoothly before the barrier.
- Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front so that you do not end up stopping on the tracks if traffic comes to a halt.
- Wait until the barrier is fully raised and the warning signals have stopped before driving on.
- Look for the distance markers with three, two and one diagonal stripe, which may warn that the level crossing is approaching.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think that a barrier beginning to rise means they can drive on immediately. The driver must wait until the barrier is sufficiently open, the warning has stopped and it is safe to cross.
- Some people confuse the symbol with signs for a dangerous bend or a narrower road. This sign shows a barrier and warns of a railway level crossing.
- Some people drive in behind the vehicle in front without checking the space on the other side. It is prohibited and extremely dangerous to stop on the tracks.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- AA dangerous bend with limited visibility ahead
- BA railway level crossing where traffic is controlled by a barrier
- CA steep uphill slope ahead
- DA road that becomes narrower on both sides
Medium
The barrier is up, but the queue means that you cannot get completely across the tracks. What do you do?
- AI stop before the level crossing and wait for space to become available.
- BI drive past the queue and pass on the left.
- CI drive onto the level crossing and follow the car in front.
- DI drive across the tracks and stop close behind the car in front.
Hard
The barrier has started to rise, but the red light signal is still warning you. When can you drive?
- AWhen the barrier is sufficiently open, the warning has ceased and it is safe to cross
- BWhen you cannot see a train, even though the red light is still flashing
- CWhen the barrier has started to rise, even though the warning has not ceased
- DWhen the car in front starts driving, even though the barrier is still moving
Theory test tip
A common trap is to think that the barrier alone determines whether you can drive on. In the theory test, you must also consider the light and audible signals, train traffic and whether there is enough space to get completely across.
Did you know
The sign can be combined with distance markers that count down towards the level crossing. Three diagonal stripes are furthest from the crossing, while one stripe is closest.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive when the barrier is raised?
Only if the warning signals have stopped, the crossing is clear and you can get completely across. You are still required to exercise particular caution.
What should I do when the barrier begins to lower?
You must stop before the level crossing and not try to get across in time. Stop at a safe distance from the barrier and the tracks.
Can I enter if the vehicle in front is almost across?
No, not unless there is enough space for your entire vehicle on the other side. You must never risk stopping on the level crossing.
What is the difference between this sign and the sign for a level crossing without a barrier?
This symbol shows that the level crossing has a barrier. The sign for a level crossing without a barrier warns of a crossing without a barrier that physically blocks the road.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
