Driving Theory
British Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

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

779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead British road sign meaning

The 'Electrified Overhead Cable Ahead' sign (code 779) warns you of an approaching railway or tramway crossing where there are live overhead cables. It's crucial to approach such crossings with caution, preparing to stop, and ensuring you can clear the crossing completely before entering. These signs are part of a system to manage safe interactions between road traffic and rail or tram lines.

Understanding the Electrified Overhead Cable Ahead Sign (779)

This sign warns of electrified overhead cables at railway crossings, crucial for your theory test revision. Knowing its meaning is vital for safe decision-making and avoiding hazards on Great Britain roads.

Definition of 779

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 779.

Meaning of 779

"Electrified overhead cable ahead" 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 779

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 779

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.

779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead 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 Electrified Overhead Cable Ahead sign (779) instruct me to do?

This sign is a warning that you are approaching a railway or tramway crossing with electrified overhead cables. You must approach at a speed that allows you to stop safely if necessary, and you must never enter the crossing unless you are certain you can clear it completely without stopping.

What are the main dangers at a crossing with electrified overhead cables?

The primary danger is collision with a moving train or tram, which cannot stop quickly. Additionally, the overhead cables carry high voltage electricity, posing a severe risk if contacted. It's vital to obey all signals, barriers, and instructions at the crossing.

What actions are prohibited when I see the 779 sign?

You are prohibited from entering the crossing unless the exit is clear. Never drive around barriers or ignore red warning lights. Do not stop on the tracks, between gates, or anywhere within the crossing area. Never assume a train or tram isn't coming just because another vehicle has crossed.

What should I do if my vehicle breaks down near a railway crossing with overhead cables?

If your vehicle breaks down and you are trapped at or near the crossing, use the emergency telephone provided if available. Follow any instructions given and alert the railway authorities immediately to prevent a potential collision or electrical hazard.

Are there any special considerations for long or high vehicles at these crossings?

Yes, if you are driving a long vehicle, a high vehicle, or using an animal-drawn vehicle, you need to plan extra carefully. Ensure there is ample space and time to clear the entire crossing, considering the length of your vehicle and the potential for overhead cable clearance issues.

How does this sign relate to other railway crossing signs?

This sign (779) specifically warns of electrified overhead cables. Other railway crossing signs might warn of barriers, gates, or just general rail traffic. Regardless of the specific warning, the fundamental rule of never entering a crossing unless the exit is clear and obeying all signals and barriers always applies to all types of railway crossings.

779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead road sign image

A clear reference image of the 779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead road sign used in Great Britain.

779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead road sign

Other names for the 779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead

The 779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Electrified overhead cable aheadElectrified overhead cable779 level crossing signGreat Britain level crossing signlevel crossing signs

Great Britain Level Crossing Signs road sign category

The 779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead road sign is part of the Great Britain Level Crossing Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Knowledge with Similar Road Signs

Mastering the theory test involves understanding how similar road signs can be confused; comparing the 'Electrified overhead cable ahead' sign with related traffic signs aids recognition and reduces errors. Effective theory test revision includes detailed traffic sign comparison to build confidence for your exam.

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
780A - Supplementary plate informing height of overhead cables at level crossing ahead road sign

Supplementary plate informing height of overhead cables at level crossing ahead

Watch for overhead cable height at level crossings with the 780A supplementary plate.

Great Britain Level Crossing Signs780A
Master complex traffic rules and road safety requirements through targeted study resources.

Explore curated explanations and practical examples to strengthen your visual recognition of essential Great Britain road signs. These supplementary materials provide the context needed to navigate junctions safely and pass your official DVSA theory test.

Article

Level Crossing Safety

Prepare for your Great Britain driving theory test by understanding the critical rules for level crossings, as detailed in the Highway Code. This guide covers everything from approaching crossings with flashing lights and lowered barriers to what action to take if your vehicle breaks down. Grasping these safety protocols is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring you meet DVSA requirements.

Article

GB Crossroads Priority Rules

Navigating junctions in Great Britain can be complex, with priority often dictated by specific road signs and markings rather than simple intuition. This article breaks down the rules for various types of crossroads, explaining how to identify who has right of way and what to do when facing confusing situations. Preparing for your theory test requires a thorough understanding of these critical junction rules to ensure safe driving.

Practice set

Level Crossings Safety

Avoid Common Mistakes and Stay Safe at British Level Crossings

Practice set

Vehicle MOT & Roadworthiness

Understand your responsibility for a safe and legal vehicle on Great Britain's roads.

Road sign

Supplementary plate informing height of overhead cables at level crossing ahead

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 780A.

Road sign

Warning sign for a level crossing with a user operated gate ahead

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 level-crossing-user-operated-gate.

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