Traffic signals
Railway flashing red lights, bell and gate
What it means
When the red lights flash and the bell rings, a train is coming: stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail and do not proceed until the lights and bell stop and the train has passed or stopped. Where there is a gate, never drive around it and stay stopped until it is fully raised.
Traffic lights, lane-control and pedestrian signals.
Summarised from the Alberta Driver’s Guide. Read the original: Sharing the road ↗
How to recognise it
A crossbuck with a pair of red lights mounted below it, often with a red-and-white striped gate arm that lowers across the road.
Where you will see it
Many railway crossings; gates are added at some of them.
What to do when you see it
- 1.Stop as soon as the lights begin to flash and the bell rings: a train is approaching. The vehicle nearest the crossing stops at least 5 metres back from the nearest rail.
- 2.Do not go until the lights and bell have stopped and the train has passed or come to a complete stop. With more than one track, make sure all of them are clear: a second train can come from the other direction.
- 3.Never drive around a gate. If it is down, rising or lowering, do not cross; stay stopped until it is raised, the lights stop flashing and the bell stops ringing.
On the knowledge test
Expect the stopping distance (at least 5 metres from the nearest rail) and the rule for leaving: lights off, bell silent, gate fully up. A train may need a kilometre or more to stop, so never try to beat it.
