Special cases
Car stuck on the tracks: what to do at a level crossing
Car stuck on the tracks? Try to clear the crossing. If you cannot, move people away and immediately alert the railway operator and emergency services.
If your vehicle stops on a level crossing, first try to clear the tracks without putting anyone at risk. If it cannot be moved, get people away from the railway and immediately notify the operator and emergency services using the contacts displayed at the crossing.
Try to clear the tracks without putting yourself in danger
If your vehicle stops on a level crossing, try to move it clear of the rails immediately. If the barriers start to close and the vehicle will not move, the Highway Code requires the driver to try to get it off the tracks; if needed, the barriers may be broken to escape. Do not stay in the car attempting repairs.
People’s safety comes before the vehicle. If you cannot clear the crossing immediately, get everyone out when it is safe and away from the railway, using a route that takes them clear of danger. Do not walk along the tracks or step onto them to signal a train.
Alert someone who can manage the emergency
Call the emergency number shown at the crossing or on its equipment, if one is provided. Give the location, road name and crossing identification number from the sign, and say that a vehicle is on the tracks. If anyone is injured or in immediate danger, call 112.
The law also requires drivers to make sure that train crews are warned in time. Do not wait for a train to pass before asking for help, and do not make a vague call without identifying the crossing. Follow the operator’s instructions and remain in a safe place.
If the car stopped just beyond the tracks
If you are studying for your driving test, review level-crossing rules with Quiz Patente Ufficiale. In an emergency, however, move people away, alert the operator and follow the emergency responders’ instructions; do not return to the tracks to retrieve belongings.
If you are studying for your driving test, Quiz Patente Ufficiale can help you review level-crossing rules and remember what to do before, during and after an emergency.
Quiz Patente Ufficiale can help you review level-crossing questions. In a real emergency, follow the signs at the crossing and the instructions of emergency services and the railway operator; do not return to the tracks to retrieve belongings.
For more detail, read Warning triangle: where to place it after a breakdown.
For another practical example, see Car breakdown in a tunnel: what to do, step by step.
Frequently asked questions
If I am trapped by the barriers, can I break them?
The Highway Code says to try to clear the crossing, including by breaking the barriers if necessary. Do this only if it is the way out and people can escape safely.
Who should I call?
Use the emergency contact displayed at the crossing and give its identification number. Call 112 if people face immediate danger.