A train cannot stop within a few seconds: at a level crossing only the driver of the car can decide in time. That is why the law is exact: drivers may cross a railway only at level crossings, giving way to the train (locomotive, trolley) (Art. 44.I).
Approaching the crossing
The driver must follow the road signs, traffic lights, road markings, the position of the barrier and the crossing attendant’s instructions, and must make sure no train is approaching (Art. 44.II). A crossing is announced in advance like this:
- 1.1 «Level crossing with barriers» and 1.2 «Level crossing without barriers» warn of the approach (Art. 70.VI). Out of town they stand 150–300 m before the danger, in a built-up area 50–100 m (Art. 62.III); out of town a repeat sign stands at least 50 m before it (Art. 62.IV.3).
- 1.3.1 «Single-track railway» and 1.3.2 «Multi-track railway» stand right in front of the crossing, on both sides (Art. 62.IV.4, 70.VI).
- Plates 1.4.1–1.4.6 stand along the road before a crossing out of town; they may be on the left too (Art. 70.VII).
- At crossings with light traffic sign 2.5 «Stop — no passing without stopping» is used (Art. 70.VIII).
Signals at the crossing
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Two red lights at the same height flashing in turn (a sound signal may go with them) | crossing is prohibited (Art. 70.I–II) |
| A flashing white light between or above the red lights | movement is allowed (Art. 70.III); with a flashing white-yellowish light and the red off, you may cross if no train is in sight (Art. 59.X) |
| A barrier that is down or starting to come down | entering is prohibited whatever the lights show (Art. 44.III.1, 70.IV) |
| The attendant holds a baton, red lamp or flag above the head, or stands with arms spread, chest or back towards you | entering is prohibited (Art. 44.III.3) |
When you must not enter
- the barrier is down or coming down — whatever the traffic light shows;
- the traffic light shows a prohibiting signal — whatever the barrier’s position, or even with no barrier;
- the crossing attendant gives the stop signal;
- traffic is queuing beyond the crossing and would force you to stop on it;
- a train is approaching (within sight);
- and you may not go round vehicles waiting at the crossing by using the oncoming lane (Art. 44.III.1–6).
It is also prohibited to open the barrier yourself, to take farm, road or construction machines across when they are not in transport position, and to cross with vehicles slower than 8 km/h without the station master’s permission (Art. 44.III).
Where to stop
When crossing is not allowed, the driver stops at the stop line, sign 2.5 or the traffic light. If there is none, at least 5 m before the barrier; if there is no barrier, at least 10 m before the nearest rail (Art. 44.IV).
| On and near the crossing | Prohibited |
|---|---|
| overtaking | on the crossing and less than 100 m before it (Art. 51.V.3) |
| stopping | on the crossing (Art. 52.IV.2) |
| parking | less than 50 m from the crossing (Art. 52.VI.4) |
| U-turns, reversing | on the crossing (Art. 42.XII.4, 42.XIV) |
If the car is stuck on the crossing
Get everyone out
Get people out of the vehicle at once and try to clear the crossing (Art. 44.V).
Warn the train
If possible, send two people 1000 m along the track in both directions to give the stop signal to the driver of the train; if there is only one, to the side where the line is harder to see (Art. 44.V.1).
Sound the alarm
Stay by the vehicle and give the general alarm: one long and three short horn signals, several times (Art. 44.V.2, Note).
Run towards the train
As soon as the train is in sight, run towards it giving the stop signal: move your arm in a circle — with a bright cloth or anything easy to see by day, with a torch or lamp at night (Art. 44.V.3, Note).
Barrier up, lights flashing
Problem
Elvin approaches a crossing. The barrier is up, the two red lights flash in turn, and no train is in sight. May he cross?
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Solution
The two red lights prohibit crossing (Art. 70.I), and a prohibiting signal applies whatever the barrier’s position (Art. 44.III.2).
Elvin must stop at the stop line, sign 2.5 or the light, or, if there is none, at least 5 m before the barrier (Art. 44.IV).
A queue beyond the crossing
Problem
The way ahead of Aysel is open, the barrier is up and no lights are on. But beyond the crossing cars are standing in a queue and there is no room behind them. What should she do?
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Solution
If a queue beyond the crossing would force a driver to stop on it, entering is prohibited (Art. 44.III.4), and stopping on a crossing is prohibited anyway (Art. 52.IV.2).
The engine dies on the tracks
Problem
Murad’s car stalls on the crossing, right on the tracks, and will not restart. There are two passengers. What is the order of actions?
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Solution
2) Send the passengers 1000 m along the track in both directions to give the stop signal to the train driver (Art. 44.V.1).
3) Stay by the car, repeating one long and three short horn signals (Art. 44.V.2).
4) As soon as the train is in sight, run towards it moving his arm in a circle (Art. 44.V.3).
Remember
- Cross a railway only at a level crossing, giving way to the train (Art. 44.I).
- Two alternating red lights or a closing barrier mean no crossing; a prohibiting light applies whatever the barrier does (Art. 44.III, 70).
- Stopping place: stop line, sign 2.5 or the light; otherwise 5 m before the barrier, or 10 m before the rail without a barrier (Art. 44.IV).
- No overtaking, stopping or U-turns on a crossing; no overtaking within 100 m before it and no parking within 50 m.
- Stuck on the crossing: get people out, send them 1000 m to warn, give one long and three short horn signals, run towards the train (Art. 44.V).