Railway Crossings, Pedestrian Crossings and Special Conditions
Railway crossings
A driver must slow down and be ready to stop before every railway crossing. Stopping is prohibited within 50 m of a crossing. A driver must not enter a crossing if the barrier is closed or closing, if the red light flashes, if the crossing is blocked, or if a train is approaching. If the vehicle stalls on the crossing, occupants must leave and warn the train by any available means.
Pedestrian crossings
A driver must yield to pedestrians on a crossing or stepping onto it. Overtaking at a pedestrian crossing is prohibited. A driver must not stop on the crossing, and must not enter it if traffic beyond would block the exit. In poor visibility, pedestrians must wear reflective elements, and drivers must reduce speed near schools and bus stops.
Special conditions
In fog, heavy rain or snow, the driver must use dipped headlights or fog lights, reduce speed, and increase the following gap. Driving with only sidelights in insufficient visibility is an offence. On ice, braking distance grows several times, so engine braking and gentle steering inputs are preferred.
Traps in questions
Questions often test the 50 m no-stopping zone at a crossing, or the rule that a flashing red light at a crossing means the same as a closed barrier. Another trap is whether a driver may overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing - the answer is no, because a pedestrian may be hidden.
Rule of thumb
Approach every railway crossing prepared to stop; approach every pedestrian crossing prepared to yield. If you cannot see, slow down.
Worked example
A car stalls on a railway crossing with a train approaching. The correct action is for all occupants to leave the vehicle immediately and move away from the tracks, then signal the train.