---
title: "Level crossing zig-zag markings Meaning | UK Road Signs"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/level-crossing-zigzag-markings
description: "What zig-zag markings at a level crossing mean, what they prohibit and how they are tested in the DVSA theory test."
lang: en
---

# Level crossing zig-zag markings — UK road sign

White zig-zag lines on the approach to a railway crossing where stopping, parking and overtaking are banned.

Image: Level crossing zig-zag markings — white painted marking UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/level-crossing-zigzag-markings.svg)

Zig-zag lines are painted on the road on both sides of many level crossings, in the same style as the ones used at zebra crossings.

They exist to keep the approach to the rails clear so that drivers and train crew both have an unobstructed view.

## What this sign means

Within the zig-zag area you must not park, wait, or overtake the leading vehicle approaching the crossing.

The markings are usually paired with a give way triangle or a stop line at the crossing itself.

## What to do when you see it

Keep the zig-zag zone clear and moving.

- Do not stop or park anywhere on the zig-zags.
- Do not overtake the vehicle nearest the crossing.
- Queue behind the markings rather than within them if traffic is stationary beyond the crossing.
- Leave the area promptly once the crossing is clear.

## How this sign is tested

Questions typically show the markings and ask which activities are prohibited, with parking and overtaking as the correct answers.

Others test whether you know the same pattern is used at pedestrian crossings.

## Common mistakes

Stopping on the zig-zags to drop a passenger, which is not permitted.

Joining a queue that leaves your vehicle sitting on the crossing or its approach markings.

## 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

Can I stop on level crossing zig-zags to let someone out?

No. Stopping and waiting are prohibited within the markings.

Are they the same as zebra crossing zig-zags?

The pattern is the same and the restrictions on parking and overtaking are similar.

What if traffic is queuing beyond the crossing?

Wait behind the markings until there is room for your vehicle on the far side.

## 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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