← Road works, level crossings and tramways
Rule 291: What a level crossing is
Advice, not law
Level crossings (rules 291 to 299)
A level crossing is where a road crosses a railway or tramway line. Approach and cross it with care. Never drive onto a crossing until the road is clear on the other side and do not get too close to the car in front. Never stop or park on, or near, a crossing.
Advice, not law. This rule is not written in capitals, so breaking it is not an offence in itself — but it can still be used in evidence in court to establish liability. The rules that say MUST or MUST NOT are the ones backed by law.
5 theory test questions on this rule
From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.
Car
- What should you do first if your vehicle has broken down on an automatic railway level crossing? Incidents, accidents and emergencies
- Your car breaks down on a level crossing. What's the first thing you should do? Incidents, accidents and emergencies
- You're looking for somewhere to safely park your vehicle. Where would you choose to park? Rules of the road
- You've stopped at a railway level crossing. What should you do if the red lights continue to flash after a train has gone by? Road and traffic signs
- You're waiting at a level crossing. What must you do if a train passes but the lights keep flashing? Rules of the road