Driving Theory
British Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Prepare for overhead electric wires at railway or tram crossings with the LC-OW sign.

LC-OW - Overhead electric wires at crossing British road sign meaning

The LC-OW 'Overhead electric wires at crossing' sign is a crucial warning for drivers encountering railway, tramway, or private crossings. It alerts you to the presence of overhead electric wires and indicates that you must approach with caution, ready to stop if necessary. Always ensure the exit is clear before entering, and obey all signals and barriers to maintain safety for yourself and others on Great Britain's roads.

Understanding the Overhead Electric Wires at Crossing Sign (LC-OW)

Recognise the 'Overhead electric wires at crossing' sign to safely navigate potential hazards on your driving theory test revision. This essential traffic sign explanation helps you understand its meaning and implications for your journey.

Definition of LC-OW

This level-crossing sign is used where road traffic interacts with rail, tram, or crossing equipment. It may refer to barriers, gates, warning lights, telephones, overhead cables, live rails, or special instructions for certain users. Because rail vehicles cannot stop quickly, the safe response is to slow early, obey signals and barriers, and enter only when there is enough space to clear the crossing completely. It is listed in the catalogue as code LC-OW.

Meaning of LC-OW

"Overhead electric wires at crossing" warns or instructs drivers at a railway, tramway, or private crossing. The driver should approach prepared to stop and must keep the crossing clear.

Allowed actions for LC-OW

Approach at a speed that allows you to stop safely.Obey lights, barriers, gates, signs, and railway instructions.Look and listen where the crossing design requires it.Use the signed telephone or emergency instructions if a vehicle is trapped or breaks down.

Prohibited actions for LC-OW

Do not enter a crossing unless the exit is clear.Do not drive around barriers or ignore red lights.Do not stop on tracks, between gates, or inside the crossing area.Do not assume no train or tram is coming because another vehicle crossed.

LC-OW - Overhead electric wires at crossing road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the LC-OW - Overhead electric wires at crossing road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the British driving theory exam in Great Britain.

What does the LC-OW 'Overhead electric wires at crossing' sign mean?

The LC-OW sign warns you that you are approaching a crossing with overhead electric wires, typically for trains or trams. It means you must be prepared to stop and ensure you can completely clear the crossing before entering.

What actions are prohibited when I see the LC-OW sign?

You must not enter the crossing unless the exit is completely clear. It is also forbidden to drive around barriers, ignore red lights, or stop on the tracks or within the crossing area. Never assume it's safe to cross just because another vehicle has.

How should I approach a crossing with the LC-OW sign?

Approach the crossing at a speed that allows you to stop safely if required. Always obey any lights, barriers, gates, signs, or specific instructions provided at the crossing. If the crossing design requires it, look and listen carefully for approaching rail traffic.

What should I do if my vehicle breaks down on a railway crossing in Great Britain?

If your vehicle is trapped or breaks down on the tracks, get yourself and any passengers to safety immediately, away from the crossing and vehicle. Then, use the nearest emergency telephone provided at the crossing to report the incident. Your safety is the absolute priority.

Are there any special considerations for long or slow-moving vehicles at these crossings?

Yes, drivers of long, slow, high, or animal-drawn vehicles should take extra care. You must ensure there is enough time and space to cross safely without stopping on the tracks. Plan your approach well in advance and be aware of potential delays.

What is a common theory test trap related to railway crossing signs like LC-OW?

A common trap is assuming you can proceed if you see another vehicle crossing, or if you haven't seen a train. Always wait for the signals and barriers to indicate it is safe, and ensure you can clear the crossing completely before entering, regardless of what others do.

LC-OW - Overhead electric wires at crossing road sign image

A clear reference image of the LC-OW - Overhead electric wires at crossing road sign used in Great Britain.

LC-OW - Overhead electric wires at crossing road sign

Other names for the LC-OW - Overhead electric wires at crossing

The LC-OW - Overhead electric wires at crossing road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Overhead electric wires at crossingLC-OW level crossing signGreat Britain level crossing signlevel crossing signs

Great Britain Level Crossing Signs road sign category

The LC-OW - Overhead electric wires at crossing road sign is part of the Great Britain Level Crossing Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Learning: Compare Similar Road Signs

Mastering Great Britain road signs involves understanding how similar signs can be confused. Comparing these closely related traffic signs aids in accurate recognition and retention, which is crucial for your theory test revision and overall driving knowledge.

770 - Level crossing with gate or barrier ahead road sign

Level crossing with gate or barrier ahead

Prepare to stop for level crossings with gates or barriers ahead.

Great Britain Level Crossing Signs770
771 - Level crossing without gate or barrier ahead road sign

Level crossing without gate or barrier ahead

Understand the 'Level Crossing Without Gate or Barrier Ahead' Sign (771)

Great Britain Level Crossing Signs771
772 - Trams likely to be crossing ahead road sign

Trams likely to be crossing ahead

Watch out for trams crossing ahead with this essential warning sign!

Great Britain Level Crossing Signs772
773 - Light signals ahead at crossing road sign

Light signals ahead at crossing

Prepare to stop for light signals at railway or tramway crossings ahead.

Great Britain Level Crossing Signs773
774 - Single track level crossings without gates or barriers road sign

Single track level crossings without gates or barriers

Single Track Level Crossings Ahead: Be Prepared to Stop Safely

Great Britain Level Crossing Signs774
775 - Supplementary plate warning drivers to not block the level crossing road sign

Supplementary plate warning drivers to not block the level crossing

Sign 775 warns you not to block the level crossing ahead.

Great Britain Level Crossing Signs775
777 - Second train warning plate road sign

Second train warning plate

Second Train Warning Plate (777): What to do at busy level crossings.

Great Britain Level Crossing Signs777
779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead road sign

Electrified overhead cable ahead

Electrified Overhead Cable Ahead: What This Sign Means for Railway Crossings

Great Britain Level Crossing Signs779

Ready to Test Your Knowledge on Great Britain Road Signs?

After reviewing the full list of road signs, challenge yourself with practice questions focused specifically on sign recognition. Reinforce your learning and ensure you're fully prepared to identify and understand all traffic signs on the DVSA theory test.

Browse All GB Road Signs List
CTA Decorative Squares

Dive into British road sign knowledge

GB AM Moped Theory courseMotorcycle Theory GB courseGB Category B Theory courseGB Goods Vehicle Theory courseGB Passenger Vehicle Theory course777 Second train warning plate British road sign787 Telephone at level crossing British road signGreat Britain Sign Symbols British road sign category773 Light signals ahead at crossing British road signGreat Britain Warning Signs British road sign categoryGreat Britain Hazard Plates British road sign categoryGreat Britain Tourist Signs British road sign category779 Electrified overhead cable ahead British road signGreat Britain Motorway Signs British road sign category772 Trams likely to be crossing ahead British road signGreat Britain Direction Signs British road sign categoryGreat Britain Diversion Signs British road sign categoryGreat Britain Regulatory Signs British road sign categoryGreat Britain Low Bridge Signs British road sign categoryGreat Britain Motorway Signals British road sign categoryGreat Britain Speed Limit Signs British road sign categoryGreat Britain Information Signs British road sign categoryGreat Britain Bus and Cycle Signs British road sign category783 Large vehicles phone crossing operator British road sign789 Countdown marker to level crossing (3) British road signGreat Britain Level Crossing Signs British road sign categoryGreat Britain Pedestrian Zone Signs British road sign categoryGreat Britain Traffic Light Signals British road sign category788 Direction to telephone at level crossing British road sign789.1 Countdown marker to level crossing (2) British road sign789.2 Countdown marker to level crossing (1) British road sign770 Level crossing with gate or barrier ahead British road sign782 Risk of grounding at level crossing ahead British road signGreat Britain Parking and Loading Signs British road sign category771 Level crossing without gate or barrier ahead British road signGreat Britain Roadworks and Temporary Signs British road sign category774 Single track level crossings without gates or barriers British road sign775 Supplementary plate warning drivers to not block the level crossing British road sign784.1 Information sign for very large vehicles to phone before crossing railway British road sign780A Supplementary plate informing height of overhead cables at level crossing ahead British road sign