Can I cross if the lights are flashing but the gates are still rising?

No. Wait until the lights have stopped flashing and the gates are up, as another train may be coming.

Why obey crossing lights when no train is in sight?

Trains are fast and need a very long distance to stop, so the train may arrive sooner than you expect.

Railway crossing · Crossings with lights

Railway crossing with flashing lights

While the red lights flash, stop and stay stopped.

Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 123Asked in general knowledgeAsked in road safetyShown in 4 practice questions

What it means

What does the railway crossing with flashing lights sign mean in NSW?

Under the RAILWAY CROSSING crossbuck and its 2 TRACKS plate, a black crossarm carries two round lamps on black targets: the left one glows red while its twin is dark, because they flash in turn. A red plate below reads STOP ON RED SIGNAL. Flashing lights mean a train is approaching. Stop and wait until they stop flashing and any boom gates are fully up.

What to do

1
Stop at the line as soon as the lights begin to flash.
2
Stay stopped after a train passes until the lights go off.
3
Never drive around boom gates, even when they are rising.

Practice questions with this sign

You reach a level crossing and the red lights are flashing, but you cannot see a train. What do you do?

Right.Not quite. The answer is C.

Flashing lights at a level crossing mean a train is coming, so you must not enter the crossing.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 123

The bells are ringing and the lights are flashing at a level crossing, but the boom gates are still rising. What do you do?

Right.Not quite. The answer is A.

A second train may be coming, so wait until the warning lights stop before you move.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 123

Common questions

Can I cross if the lights are flashing but the gates are still rising?: No. Wait until the lights have stopped flashing and the gates are up, as another train may be coming.
Why obey crossing lights when no train is in sight?: Trains are fast and need a very long distance to stop, so the train may arrive sooner than you expect.

Your L plate turns green when you would pass

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