DKT- Approaching a level crossing: slow down and be prepared to stop.
- Gates, booms or flashing lights: do not cross until the lights have stopped flashing and the gates or booms are fully open.
- A Stop sign means you must stop.
- The same advice applies at tram level crossings. Obey the tram level crossing signs.
Look and listen every time
Train timetables can change at any time without notice, so never rely on knowing when trains usually pass. Look and listen for trains as you approach, and drive at a speed that lets you stop if you need to. Many rural crossings have an 80 km/h limit, so check the sign.
Crossings with gates, booms or flashing lights
Wait until the signals have stopped flashing and gates or booms are completely open before you cross.
Keep clear of the tracks
- If traffic is stopped on the far side, do not enter unless there is room for your whole vehicle on the other side. Otherwise you could be stuck on the tracks in front of a train.
- At some crossings, Yellow Box Markings mark the crossing area. Do not stop on the painted area.
- Trains are heavy and need long distances to stop, so a train cannot stop in time for anything on the crossing.
Crossings with no gates, booms or lights
This is common in the country. Take extra care, slow down, and look and listen in both directions. Warning signs are usually placed well before these crossings.
Signs and directions
- Other signs you must obey at crossings are usually Give Way or Stop signs.
- Also stop if a railway employee signals you to.
- If you have stopped for a train, check that another train is not following or coming the other way before you move off.
- Level crossings are never a good place to overtake (see overtaking safely).
More about warning signs: road signs in Victoria. For trams, see sharing the road with trams.
Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
Do you have to stop at a railway level crossing in Victoria?
You must stop where there is a Stop sign, when signals are flashing, a gate or boom is closed, or a railway employee signals you. At other crossings, slow down, look and listen, and be prepared to stop.
When can you cross after a train passes?
Only when the signals have stopped flashing and the gates or booms are fully open. If you stopped for a train, check that another train is not following or coming from the other direction.