This triangular warning sign shows a simple gate symbol and tells you that a level crossing protected by a barrier or gate is ahead. It is normally sited far enough back to let you slow down comfortably before you reach the crossing itself.
Barrier crossings are the most common protected railway crossings on public roads in Britain, so this is a sign every learner is expected to recognise instantly.
What this sign means
The red triangle warns rather than orders. It tells you that within a short distance the road crosses a railway line and that a barrier or gate will close across the road when a train is due.
The crossing itself will usually have amber and twin red flashing lights, an audible alarm and a give way or stop line painted on the road.
What to do when you see it
Ease off the accelerator early and be ready to stop. Never gamble on beating the barrier.
- Slow down and look for the lights and barriers as you approach.
- Stop behind the white line if the amber light shows or the red lights flash.
- Never zig-zag around a half barrier that is down or coming down.
- Only start to cross when the road ahead of the crossing is clear, so you are never stranded on the rails.
- Keep moving steadily once you are on the crossing and do not stop on it.
How this sign is tested
Theory test questions pair this sign with the light sequence, asking what you must do when the amber light appears or when the red lights keep flashing after a train has passed.
A second flashing red phase means another train is coming, so the correct answer is always to keep waiting until the lights go out and the barriers lift.
Common mistakes
Treating the amber light like a traffic light amber and speeding up to get across. At a level crossing the amber phase means stop unless you are so close that stopping would be dangerous.
Driving onto the crossing when traffic is queuing on the far side, which is the single most dangerous error a driver can make at a railway crossing.
Test yourself on this one
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Practise road sign questionsFrequently asked questions
What should I do if my vehicle breaks down on the crossing?
Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately, use the railway telephone at the crossing to call the signal operator, then follow their instructions.
Why do the red lights sometimes keep flashing after a train passes?
It means a second train is approaching. You must wait until the lights stop and the barriers rise.
Can I cross if the barrier is only half down?
No. Never drive around or under a barrier that is lowering, down or rising.