Keep crossing clear sign: what it means
The KEEP CROSSING CLEAR sign means you must not stop on the railway or tramway level crossing. Only drive onto it when you can get all the way across.
What does the KEEP CROSSING CLEAR sign mean?
The DfT describes this sign as meaning that vehicles must not stop within the area of a railway or tramway level crossing. Some crossings also have yellow box markings, which mark an area you must keep clear. Rule 291 says never stop or park on, or near, a crossing.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Do not go in unless your exit is clear.
- A railway crossing with gates or barriers is ahead.
- Do not stop on the level crossing.
Show answer
C. Do not stop on the level crossing. Vehicles must not stop within the area of the level crossing (Department for Transport). Source: Know your traffic signs: level crossing signs and signals, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 291, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 299, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On the approach to level crossings where traffic often queues, such as crossings near junctions or traffic lights.
What should you do?
Before you move onto the crossing, check that there is room for your whole vehicle on the other side. If the traffic ahead is queuing, wait before the crossing, not on it.
What do people get wrong?
Following the car in front onto the crossing in slow traffic and getting stuck on the tracks. Do not get too close to the car in front (rule 291).
Common questions
What should I do if I break down on a level crossing?
Get everyone out and clear of the crossing straight away, then use the railway telephone if there is one (The Highway Code, rule 299).
Does the sign apply when no train is coming?
Yes. Never stop on the crossing; a train can arrive quickly.
Compare with
Yellow box junctionDo not go in unless your exit is clear.
Level crossing with barrier signA railway crossing with gates or barriers is ahead.
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Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (level crossing signs and signals), the DfT traffic sign images and The Highway Code rules 291 and 299.
- Know your traffic signs: level crossing signs and signals, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 291, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 299, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.