Level crossing with barrier or gate sign

What it means

The road crosses a railway or tramway ahead, and the crossing has gates or barriers that close when a train is coming.

Most controlled crossings show a steady amber light and then twin flashing red lights. You must stop when the red lights flash, and keep waiting if they carry on flashing after a train passes: another train is coming.

Only cross when the lights go off and the barriers open. Never zig-zag around half-barriers, and never drive onto the crossing until the road on the other side is clear.

What the symbol shows

Memory tip: Gate on the sign, gate at the crossing. Train on the sign, no gate to stop you.

Rules to know

• The sign warns of a level crossing with a gate or barrier.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 29

• You must always obey the flashing red stop lights, and wait if they continue to flash after a train has passed.

  The Highway Code, Rule 293

• Never drive onto a crossing until the road is clear on the other side.

  The Highway Code, Rule 291

• If your vehicle breaks down or stalls on a crossing, get yourself and your passengers out as soon as possible, then phone the signal operator.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 30

Spot the difference

Level crossing with barrier or gate vs Level crossing without barrier or gate

The key difference: A gate symbol means the crossing has a gate or barrier. A steam train means it doesn't.

Differences between the Level crossing with barrier or gate and Level crossing without barrier or gate signs

	Level crossing with barrier or gate	Level crossing without barrier or gate
Symbol	Gate	Steam train
Gate or barrier at the crossing	Yes	No

Know Your Traffic Signs, Level crossing signs and signals, p. 29

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Driving round half-barriers because no train is in sight.

  Instead: Half-barriers lower because a train is coming. Never zig-zag around them.

• Mistake: Moving off as soon as one train has passed.

  Instead: If the red lights keep flashing, another train is coming. Wait until the lights go off.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 2

What does this sign mean?

• AWarns of a level crossing ahead with no gate or barrier.
• BWarns of a T-junction ahead, where your road ends at another road.
• CWarns of a roundabout ahead.
• DWarns of a level crossing ahead with a gate or barrier.

Full road sign quizzes are coming soon. See what's planned