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Flashing signal in front of railway
A red flashing signal indicates that road users shall stop at the stop line or at a safe distance in front of the signal. A white flashing signal indicates that the level crossing may be passed in accordance with the provisions of trafikkreglene. A white flashing signal shows that the signal installation is in operation.
When you see the sign
When the red light is flashing, you must stop at the stop line, or at a safe distance in front of the signal if there is no stop line. When the white light is flashing, you may cross the level crossing when it is safe to do so and in accordance with the traffic rules.
Rules
- A flashing red light means that you must stop, even if the barrier has not yet been lowered.
- You must stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, you must stop at a safe distance in front of the signal.
- A flashing white light means that the signalling system is operating and that you may cross the level crossing when traffic conditions permit.
- You must not enter the level crossing if you cannot get completely across without stopping on the tracks.
Tips
- Reduce your speed early so that you can stop in a controlled manner if the light starts flashing red.
- Look for the stop line and stop before it, not beside or beyond the signal.
- Wait until the red light has stopped flashing and any barrier has been fully raised before proceeding.
- If the signal is unlit, do not assume that the crossing is safe; check the track area carefully and follow any other signs and the traffic rules.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that a flashing red light is only a warning. It is an instruction to stop.
- Interpreting a flashing white light as a guarantee that no train can ever come. The signal primarily shows that the system is operating, and crossing must still be safe.
- Driving in behind the vehicle in front without having enough space to get completely across the tracks.
Test yourself
Easy
What does a red flashing signal mean here?
- AYou may pass if the barrier is up.
- BYou must reduce your speed before the level crossing.
- CYou may pass if you do not see a train.
- DYou must stop before the level crossing.
Medium
The signal is flashing red, and there is no stop line. Where should you stop?
- AI stop directly in front of the nearest rail.
- BI stop only when the barrier begins to lower.
- CI stop at the signal only if a train is visible.
- DI stop at a safe distance in front of the signal.
Hard
The signal is flashing white, but the queue ahead means that your car could end up stopped on the track. What do you do?
- AI follow the car ahead if I cannot see any train.
- BI follow the car ahead because the white flashing light gives a clear route.
- CI wait until there is room to drive all the way across.
- DI drive onto the track and wait for the queue to move.
Theory test tip
A common trap is to compare the signal with a main signal and treat a flashing white light like a normal green light. Remember that a flashing red light requires you to stop, while a flashing white light only permits you to cross when it is safe to do so in accordance with the traffic rules.
Did you know
The flashing white light distinguishes the railway signal from ordinary traffic lights at road intersections: white is used to show that the safety system at the level crossing is operating.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cross when the light is flashing red if I cannot see a train?
No. A flashing red light requires you to stop, regardless of whether you can see or hear a train.
Where should I stop when the light is flashing red?
You must stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, you must stop at a safe distance in front of the signal.
What does a flashing white light mean?
It means that the signalling system is operating and that you may cross the level crossing in accordance with the traffic rules. You must still make sure that you can get completely across without stopping on the tracks.
Can I drive when the barrier starts to rise?
You must wait until the red light has stopped flashing and the barrier is no longer blocking the road. Proceed only when the way is clear and you can cross the entire level crossing without stopping.
Practise for the theory test
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