Driving a truck across a level crossing requires extra care. Red lights always mean: stop. If you ignore them, the consequences can be severe: not only is it life-threatening, accidents at level crossings also cause major material damage and delays to freight traffic, with significant economic impact.
Some numbers:
- 1601 level crossings in 2025 in Belgium
- 29 accidents at level crossings in 2025
- 7 accidents in port areas in 2025
In most cases, things go wrong because drivers ignore the red lights. That’s why the key rule remains: red light = stop.
How do I cross a level crossing safely with my truck?
What should I look out for when approaching a level crossing?
- Slow down and look left and right well in advance to check whether a train is approaching even when the white light is on.
- Only cross the level crossing if you are sure you can clear it in one go.
- Bear in mind that your truck may accelerate slowly or be carrying a heavy load: do not start moving until you are absolutely certain that you can clear the tracks or the level crossing without stopping.
Always follow these signs
- The lights at the St Andrew’s cross: is the white light lit? Then you you may cross if it is safe to do so. Are the red lights flashing? In that case, always stop.
- Bell: if the bell rings, it’s too late to cross safely.
- Level crossing barriers: only cross when they are fully open (and they are no longer moving), when the red lights have stopped flashing and you are certain that you can clear the crossing without stopping.
Level crossings without lights, bell or barriers
Sometimes a level crossing is only equipped with a St Andrew’s cross (this is more common in port and industrial areas or rural regions on less busy railway lines).
- Be extra vigilant, slow down and look carefully to the left and right.
- Only cross when you are sure that no train is approaching.
- Never stop on a level crossing.
Risks for trucks at level crossings
Some situations can be particularly dangerous for trucks:
- Breaking down or getting stuck in traffic jams on/at a level crossing;
- Being unable to clear the crossing due to a sharp bend or misjudgement;
- Distraction or following the GPS without paying attention to signage (this can also lead to damage to the overhead line);
- Please note the height restriction: make sure your truck and its load certainly does not exceed 4.5 metres under any circumstances
What should I do if something goes wrong at a level crossing?
If you are stationary or get stuck on the tracks: first clear the tracks, get everyone to safety, and immediately call 1711 to halt train traffic. Attention: this number only works if you have a Belgian phone number. If you don’t and/or if anyone is injured, you should also call 112.
Emergency procedure (3 steps)
- Get yourself and others to safety
Leave the truck immediately. Stay clear of the tracks and keep enough and a safe distance. If possible, walk in the direction the train may come from, so that in the event of a collision you are not struck by flying debris. - Call the emergency number 1711 immediately
This will ensure that train traffic can be stopped as quickly as possible. Call 112 if anyone is injured. - Provide your exact location
Share the information shown on the sticker on the level crossing post: railway line, level crossing number, street name, municipality.
For transport companies: how can you raise your drivers’ awareness of the risks at level crossings?
Transport companies can help prevent many through clear rules and regular reminders. The key point is simple: red flashing lights mean stop, never come to a standstill at the level crossing, and if there are any problems: get everyone to safety and call 1711 (112 if anyone is injured).
How do I brief my drivers about safety instructions at level crossings?
Repeat one clear core rule in every briefing: red lights = stop. Explain that incidents often happen when drivers ignore the red lights or get stuck on the tracks. Give brief, practical instructions:
- Only cross the tracks if you are certain you can cross them in one go (do not stop on the tracks).
- Follow the signals: red = stop, bell/signal = do not cross, barriers are closing or closed = stop.
- In the event of a breakdown or if you get stuck in a traffic jam: leave the vehicle, move to a safe distance, call 1711 and share your exact location using the sticker on the level crossing post.
Is there educational safety material available for transport companies?
We provide flyers in several languages that you can download and share with your colleagues:
- Flyer in Dutch
- Flyer in French
- Flyer in English
- Flyer in Bulgarian
- Flyer in Czech
- Flyer in German
- Flyer in Spanish
- Flyer in Italian
- Flyer in Polish
- Flyer in Russian
- Flyer in Turkish
Would you like to have these in other languages? Contact communication@infrabel.be.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I continue driving if the red lights start flashing?
No. A red (flashing) light always means you must stop. - What should I do if my truck gets stuck or breaks down on a level crossing?
Follow the emergency procedure:- Leave your truck immediately and get everyone to safety. Move away from the tracks and keep a safe distance;
- Call 1711 straight away to stop train traffic (ok with Belgian phone number; if you don't have a Belgian phone number, call 112);
- Please share your exact location using the information on the sticker on the level crossing post. If anyone is injured, you should also call 112.
- Who should I call if my truck breaks down on a level crossing?
Treat it as an emergency: get yourself and others to safety, move away from the tracks and call 1711 to stop train traffic. Provide your exact location using the information on the sticker on the level crossing post. Call 112 if anyone is injured. - What if the level crossing barriers start closing?
Stop and wait. Do not cross the level crossing any more. If you do get stuck on a level crossing, or if you cannot move your truck to a safe place: get everyone to safety and call 1711. - What if traffic on the other side has come to a standstill?
Only cross when you are sure you can clear the crossing completely without stopping on the tracks. Never stop on a level crossing. - What if my truck accelerates slowly or is heavily loaded?
Only proceed if you have enough space and time to clear the level crossing in one go. Take your truck’s acceleration and crossing time into account. - What should I do if my truck hits the overhead line?
Get yourself and others to safety immediately: get out of the truck, move away from the tracks and keep a safe distance. Call 1711 immediately and give your exact location using the sticker on the level crossing post. If anyone is injured, also call 112.
Do you have any questions?
Do you have any questions or would you like more information? Please get in touch via contact@infrabel.be.