Safety at Controlled Crossings : Understanding Rule 293

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Highway Code Rule 293

📖 Rule 293 Full Regulations & Explanation

Rule 293 ↗
Controlled Crossings. Most crossings have traffic light signals with a steady amber light, twin flashing red stop lights (see ‘Light signals controlling traffic’ and ‘Traffic signs’) and an audible alarm for pedestrians. They may have full, half or no barriers.

You MUST always obey the flashing red stop lights.
You MUST stop behind the white line across the road.
Keep going if you have already crossed the white line when the amber light comes on.
Do not reverse onto or over a controlled crossing.
You MUST wait if a train goes by and the red lights continue to flash. This means another train will be passing soon.
Only cross when the lights go off and barriers open.
Never zig-zag around half-barriers, they lower automatically because a train is approaching.
At crossings where there are no barriers, a train is approaching when the lights show.
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD schedule 14 parts 1 and 4

Text shown in the rule image

Safety at Controlled Crossings : Understanding Rule 293

UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNALS

THE SAFE CROSSING PROCESS

STOP BEHIND THE WHITE LINE

When the flashing red lights appear , you MUST come to a complete stop behind the designated white stop line .

The Signal Hierarchy Crossings typically feature a steady amber light followed by twin flashing red stop lights and an audible alarm to wam of an approaching train .

BARRIER VARIATIONS Crossings may be equipped with full barriers , half - barriers , or no barriers at all ; regardless of the barrier type , the lights take precedence .

THE AMBER LIGHT RULE You must stop at the amber light unless you have already crossed the white line when it illuminates .

THE " SECOND TRAIN " RULE

If a train passes but the red lights continue to flash , you MUST wait , as another train is approaching from either direction .

WHEN TO PROCEED Only attempt to cross the tracks once the red lights have turned off and the barriers have fully opened .

PROHIBITED ACTIONS

NO ZIG - ZAGGING Never attempt to drive or cycle around half - barriers ; they lower automatically because a train is imminent .

NO REVERSING Reversing onto or over a controlled crossing is strictly prohibited and highly dangerous .

NO - BARRIER RISK

At crossings without barriers , the activation of the light signals alone indicates a train is approaching and you must stop .