---
title: "Stop when lights show sign Meaning | UK Road Signs"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/level-crossing-stop-when-lights-show
description: "What the stop when lights show plate at a level crossing means and how the DVSA theory test asks about crossing signals."
lang: en
---

# Stop when lights show sign — UK road sign

A rectangular plate at the crossing itself, instructing drivers to stop whenever the red signals are lit.

Image: Stop when lights show sign — white and black rectangle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/level-crossing-stop-when-lights-show.svg)

This plate is fixed to the light signal post at automatic level crossings. It spells out in words what the flashing red lamps already mean, so there is no room for doubt.

It appears at automatic half barrier crossings, automatic open crossings and many footpath crossings.

## What this sign means

It is a legal instruction. Whenever the signal lamps are showing, you must stop before the crossing and wait, whatever the barriers happen to be doing.

The wording exists because barriers can be slow to fall and drivers used to treat a raised barrier as permission to cross.

## What to do when you see it

Take your instruction from the lights, not from the barriers or from other traffic.

- Stop at the line as soon as any signal shows.
- Wait for the lamps to go dark before moving.
- Do not follow another vehicle across on a signal.
- Keep your foot on the brake so your stop lamps warn the driver behind.

## How this sign is tested

Questions test whether you understand that the lights, not the barriers, are the authority at a level crossing.

It also appears in questions about which crossings are automatic and unstaffed.

## Common mistakes

Waiting for the barrier to start moving before braking, which leaves too little stopping distance.

Assuming an unattended crossing must be out of use because there is no operator in sight.

## Test yourself on this one

Road and traffic signs is the biggest category in the question bank with 102 questions, and signs turn up inside other categories too. Work through them free, no sign-up needed.

Practise road sign questions (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/practice)

## Frequently asked questions

Is this sign advisory or compulsory?

It is compulsory. Passing it while the lights show is an offence.

Where is the sign fitted?

On the signal post at the crossing, immediately beside the stop line.

Does it apply to cyclists and pedestrians?

Yes, everyone using the crossing must stop when the lights show.

## Passed your theory? Get the practical booked

Your theory certificate lasts two years. Most learners who use it quickly do it with an intensive course — a block of hours with a DVSA approved instructor and a practical test at the end, instead of one lesson a week for months.

Intensive course prices: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/pricing
All courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/courses
Crash courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/crash-courses
Automatic lessons: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons/automatic
Areas we cover: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons-in
Driving test centres: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-test-centres
How it works: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/how-it-works
Test pass guarantee: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/test-pass-guarantee

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