UK level crossing signs and signals

A level crossing is where a road crosses a railway or tramway line. Never drive onto a crossing until the road is clear on the other side, and never stop on or near one (rule 291).

At most crossings a steady amber light comes on first, then twin red lights flash. You must always obey the flashing red stop lights, and you must wait if a train goes by and the red lights keep flashing, because another train will be passing soon (rule 293).

UK level crossing signs

• Level crossing with barrier signA railway crossing with gates or barriers is ahead.
• Level crossing without barrier signA railway crossing with no gates or barriers is ahead.
• Stop when lights show signLight signals ahead at a level crossing.
• St Andrew’s cross signA level crossing with no gates or barriers.
• Keep crossing clear signDo not stop on the level crossing.
• Another train coming signWait: a second train is on its way.
• Overhead electric cable signOverhead electric cables ahead.
• Open level crossing signA crossing with no gates or lights: give way to trains.
• Level crossing countdown markersMarkers counting down to a level crossing.
• Phone before crossing signLarge or slow vehicles must phone before crossing.
• Risk of grounding signLong, low vehicles may get stuck on the crossing.
• Level crossing phone signA railway phone is here at the crossing.

Test yourself

Level crossings

Question 1 of 3

1. What does this sign mean?

   

   • A A hazard ahead; the plate says what it is
   • B A railway crossing with gates or barriers is ahead Right
   • C Traffic lights are ahead
   • D A railway crossing with no gates or barriers is ahead

   The right answer is B: A railway crossing with gates or barriers is ahead

   WhyLevel crossing with barrier sign. This sign warns of a railway level crossing with a gate or barrier ahead. Be ready to stop: you must always obey the flashing red stop lights.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 291, GOV.UK, The Highway Code, rule 293, GOV.UK, Know your traffic signs: level crossing signs and signals, GOV.UK, Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK, The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK, Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

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2. What does this sign mean?

   

   • A A railway crossing with gates or barriers is ahead
   • B A railway crossing with no gates or barriers is ahead Right
   • C A hazard ahead; the plate says what it is
   • D Let traffic on the major road go first

   The right answer is B: A railway crossing with no gates or barriers is ahead

   WhyLevel crossing without barrier sign. This sign, a steam train in a red triangle, warns of a level crossing ahead that has no gate or barrier. Look and listen for trains, and obey any lights or give way signs.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 291, GOV.UK, The Highway Code, rule 298, GOV.UK, Know your traffic signs: level crossing signs and signals, GOV.UK, Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK, The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK, Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

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3. You are waiting at a level crossing with no barriers. A train passes, but the red lights continue to flash. What should you do?

   • A Cross once the rear of the train is out of sight
   • B Wait because another train will be passing soon Right
   • C Cross slowly while watching along the railway
   • D Move onto the crossing to improve your view

   The right answer is B: Wait because another train will be passing soon

   WhyWait while red crossing lights keep flashing after a train passes; another train will be passing soon.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 293

   Report this question

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Sources

Checked on 3 November 2026 against the GOV.UK pages below.

1. Know your traffic signs: level crossing signs and signals, GOV.UK
2. The Highway Code, rule 291, GOV.UK
3. The Highway Code, rule 292, GOV.UK
4. The Highway Code, rule 293, GOV.UK
5. 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.