Railway level crossings
Railway level crossings can be dangerous. Trains are fast and heavy, and cannot stop quickly. Know the signs and rules, and stay safe on NSW roads.
Approaching railway level crossings
When approaching a level crossing, always slow down and look and listen for trains.
You must not drive onto a level crossing while a train is approaching or if the road on the other side of the crossing is blocked.
Level crossing warning signs
Most level crossings have signs to warn you that you’re approaching a crossing.
Queuing on level crossings
You must not block a level crossing. Know the length of your vehicle and never cross unless your vehicle can clear the track completely.
Parking near level crossings
You must not stop or park on a level crossing or within 20m of either side of a crossing.
Stopping at level crossings
You must stop at a level crossing when:
- there’s a ‘Stop’ sign
- a gate is closed or boom gate is down
- red lights are flashing
- a railway employee signals you to stop.
When there’s a ‘Give way’ sign at a level crossing, you must slow down, look both ways and stop if a train is coming.
You must not drive through a level crossing until the signals have stopped flashing and the gates or boom gates are fully open. If you have stopped at a ‘Stop’ or ‘Give way’ sign at the crossing, do not drive through until it’s safe.
Level crossings without signals
Take extra care where there are no gates, boom gates or flashing lights at a crossing, particularly in the country.
When you see a warning sign, slow down and look and listen for trains in both directions.
If you stop for one train, always check that another one is not approaching before you drive through.