This guide focuses on Dutch theory rules for railways & level crossings: recognising warning signs and markers, safe behaviour near tracks, and common exam traps (stopping/parking near crossings).
Key rules in 60 seconds
St Andrew’s cross = number of tracks
- Single cross: one track.
- Double cross: two or more tracks.
- Always expect a second train on multi-track crossings.
Advance warning markers (distance)
- Each red stripe represents about 80 metres.
- Typical sequence: 240 m → 160 m → 80 m before the crossing.
- Use them to adjust speed early and prepare to stop.
Level crossing warning signs
- With barriers/gates: warning sign for a protected crossing.
- Without barriers/gates: extra caution — you may not be warned when a train approaches.
- Always slow down and scan both directions.
Don’t stop/park near crossings
- No stopping/parking at or near dangerous locations such as a level crossing.
- Never queue onto the tracks: only enter if you can clear the crossing fully.
- If you expect to wait longer than ~1 minute (bridge/crossing), switch off the engine.
Detailed guide
Level crossing signs (what they mean)
- Approaching crossing with barriers/gates: adjust speed, be ready to stop.
- Approaching crossing without barriers/gates: extra risk — you may not get a clear warning of an approaching train.
- Single track vs multiple tracks: identified by the St Andrew’s cross (single or double).
Advance warning markers (the “80 metres” rule)
The red-striped advance markers indicate how far you are from the level crossing. Each red stripe represents about 80 metres. That’s why you often see 3/2/1 stripes as you get closer: approximately 240 m, then 160 m, then 80 m.
Safe approach: what to do as you near the tracks
- Reduce speed early and scan for warning signals, barriers, and trains.
- Be prepared to stop smoothly (especially if visibility is limited).
- Only drive onto the crossing if you can clear it completely (no stopping on the tracks).
- On a multi-track crossing, check again after the first train — a second train may follow.
Switch off the engine (waiting rule)
If you expect to wait longer than about one minute (for example at an open bridge or a level crossing), switching off the engine is recommended. Many cars do this automatically with a start-stop system.
Stopping and parking: typical exam traps
- No stopping in dangerous or poorly visible places such as bends, tunnels, junctions, hills, and level crossings.
- No stopping on pedestrian crossings or within 5 metres of one.
- No stopping next to a yellow line or on sections meant for others (cycle paths/footpaths).
- No parking where an E1/E2 sign applies, and no parking within 5 metres of a junction.
Related sign concept: “closed to motor vehicles”
Dutch theory sometimes tests definitions: “motor vehicles” are motorised vehicles except certain categories such as trams and trains, and some low-speed categories. Make sure you recognise that “closed to motor vehicles” does not necessarily mean “closed to everything”.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering the crossing without enough space to clear it (queueing onto the tracks).
- Assuming “barriers open” means it’s safe without checking.
- Forgetting that a double St Andrew’s cross means multiple tracks.
- Stopping/parking near a level crossing or other dangerous/poorly visible locations.
- Ignoring the advance warning markers and braking late.
FAQ
Single: one track. Double: two or more tracks.
Each red stripe represents about 80 metres (roughly 80 / 160 / 240 m).
They warn that a level crossing is ahead (with or without barriers) and you must adjust speed and be ready to stop.
If you expect to wait longer than about one minute (e.g., bridge or level crossing), switch off.
Relevant Dutch law (high-level references)
- RVV 1990 & WVW 1994: general traffic rules and duty of care (safe approach and no dangerous stopping).
- Stopping/parking prohibitions near dangerous locations (including level crossings) are tested as standard RVV rules.