What is a Railway Crossing (Bahnübergang)?

A railway crossing, or 'Bahnübergang' (BÜ) in German, is a ground-level intersection where a road, path, or square crosses a railway line. These intersections pose significant risks due to the high speed and limited braking capability of trains, making specific rules and extreme caution absolutely vital for all road users.

Types of Railway Crossings in Germany

German traffic law differentiates between various types of railway crossings based on their technical security features. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for safe driving and the theory exam:

• Technically Secured Crossings: These are equipped with active warning systems such as:
  • Barriers (Schranken): These can be full barriers (Vollschranken), which completely block the road, or half barriers (Halbschranken), which block only one side of the road. They are typically combined with flashing lights and acoustic signals.
  • Light Signals (Lichtzeichenanlagen): These use red flashing lights or yellow/red steady lights to indicate an approaching train. Acoustic warnings often accompany these signals.
• Non-Technically Secured Crossings: These crossings rely solely on passive warning signs and driver vigilance. They are marked with:
  • Andreaskreuz (St. Andrew's Cross - Sign 201): This sign indicates a railway crossing and that trains have priority. A single cross signifies one track, while a double cross (often with a number indicating tracks) indicates multiple tracks.
  • Warning Signs (Zeichen 151/156): These triangular signs with a red border and a train symbol (or tram symbol) warn drivers of an upcoming railway crossing. Supplementary signs might indicate distance.

In Germany, railway crossings are generally not permitted on tracks where trains travel faster than 160 km/h, and new railway lines or major road crossings are increasingly built as overpasses or underpasses to eliminate level crossings.

Rules for Approaching and Crossing (StVO § 19)

The German Road Traffic Act (StVO) § 19 outlines strict regulations for behaviour at railway crossings:

• Moderate Speed: Drivers must approach railway crossings at a moderate speed, ensuring they can stop safely if necessary.
• Priority for Trains: Schienenfahrzeuge (rail vehicles) always have priority on railway crossings marked with an Andreaskreuz, as well as on crossings over footpaths, cycle paths, or in designated harbour/industrial areas.
• Stopping Before the Crossing: Vehicles must stop before the Andreaskreuz or at a safe distance before the crossing if:
  • A train is approaching.
  • Red flashing lights or yellow/red light signals are active.
  • Barriers are lowering or are already closed.
  • A railway official gives a stop signal.
• No Overtaking: Overtaking other motor vehicles is strictly forbidden at railway crossings, starting from the warning signs (Sign 151/156) up to and including the crossing area itself.
• Look and Listen: Always look left and right and listen carefully for approaching trains, even if no active signals are present.

Hazard Perception and Safety at Railway Crossings

Railway crossings are among the most dangerous points in road traffic. Accidents at these locations often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the immense force of a train collision. Key safety considerations include:

• Never Rush: Do not attempt to cross if barriers are starting to lower, lights are flashing, or an audible warning is sounding. Waiting a few minutes is always safer than risking a life.
• Multiple Tracks: If there are multiple tracks, ensure no second train is approaching from the other direction, even if one train has just passed. Look carefully before proceeding.
• Clearance: Only enter the crossing if you can clearly see that you can cross it completely and leave the tracks before a train arrives. Avoid stopping on the tracks due to traffic jams or other obstacles ahead.
• Vehicle Stalled on Tracks: If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, immediately evacuate all occupants and move to a safe distance. If time permits, try to alert the railway authorities or use emergency telephones if available.

Railway Crossings in the German Driving Theory Exam

Questions about railway crossings are common in the German driving theory exam and test your understanding of:

• The meaning of different signs (Andreaskreuz, warning signs).
• The significance of light signals and barrier positions.
• Priority rules (trains always have priority).
• Appropriate behaviour when approaching and waiting at a crossing (speed reduction, stopping distance, no overtaking).
• Actions to take in emergency situations.

Be prepared to identify correct actions in various scenarios, distinguishing between technically secured and non-technically secured crossings.