Level crossing without barrier or gate sign

What it means

The road crosses a railway ahead and there are no gates or barriers to stop you.

Without barriers, the lights (if there are any) and your own eyes and ears are your warning. Where there are no barriers, a train is approaching when the lights show.

Open crossings have no gates, barriers, attendant or traffic lights, but have a Give Way sign. Look both ways, listen, and make sure no train is coming before you cross.

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 without a gate or barrier.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 29

• At crossings where there are no barriers, a train is approaching when the lights show.

  The Highway Code, Rule 293

• At open crossings, look both ways, listen and make sure there is no train coming before you cross.

  The Highway Code, Rule 298

• Never stop or park on, or near, a crossing.

  The Highway Code, Rule 291

Spot the difference

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

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

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

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Assuming that no barrier means no train is due.

  Instead: With no barrier, nothing physically stops you. Obey any lights, and look and listen before crossing.

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 a gate or barrier.
• BWarns that children may be crossing or near the road on their way to or from school.
• CWarns of a level crossing ahead with no gate or barrier.
• DWarns of a zebra or parallel crossing ahead.

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