Road works, level crossings and tramways are three places where a new driver meets rules that differ from ordinary road driving, and where the consequences of a mistake can be severe. The Highway Code covers all three in rules 288 to 307. The Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales, so this article is about Great Britain; Network Rail, which manages most of Britain’s railway infrastructure, adds its own public guidance on level crossings. This is general information, not legal advice.
Road works: rules 288 to 290
When a “Road Works Ahead” sign is displayed the Code says to take extra care, look for further signs and obey them all. A driver must not exceed any temporary maximum speed limit, should keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and should get into the correct lane in good time as signs direct. It says not to switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic, not to drive through an area marked off by traffic cones, and to merge in turn where lanes are restricted. It warns that cyclists and motorcyclists are vulnerable to skidding on grit, mud or debris at road works, and to expect vehicles with amber warning lights to slow or turn into the works area, leaving extra space.
On motorways and other high-speed dual carriageways, rule 289 says works vehicles may close lanes. Where large “Keep Left” or “Keep Right” signs are displayed on the back of a works vehicle, a driver must move over and pass on the side indicated and not return to the closed lane until it is safe. A vehicle showing “CONVOY VEHICLE NO OVERTAKING” must not be passed. Rule 290 adds that lanes can be narrower and marked by studs or temporary markings, that contraflow systems have no permanent barrier between opposing traffic, and that a driver should slow down and increase the gap at the start and finish of a contraflow because changes in the road camber can affect stability. If a vehicle breaks down in road works, the Code says areas marked off by cones contain significant hazards and that a signed road works refuge should be used where available.
Level crossings: rules 291 to 299
The Code defines a level crossing as where a road crosses a railway or tramway line and says to approach and cross with care, never drive on until the road is clear on the other side, and never stop or park on or near a crossing. Rule 292 says the safe height warning signs must be obeyed because overhead electric lines are dangerous, and gives the usual clearance as 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches) but possibly lower.
- Controlled crossings (rule 293). A driver must always obey the twin flashing red stop lights and must stop behind the white line. Someone already over the line when the amber light comes on should keep going. It says not to reverse onto or over a crossing, to wait if the red lights keep flashing after a train passes because another may be coming, and never to zig-zag around half-barriers.
- User-operated gates and barriers (rule 296). Where there are “Stop” signs and small red and green lights, a driver must not cross on red. The Code says to open the gates or barriers on both sides, check the green light is still on, cross quickly and close the gates behind.
- Open crossings (rule 298). These have no gates, barriers, attendant or lights but do have a “Give Way” sign. The advice is to look both ways, listen and be sure no train is coming.
- Breakdowns (rule 299). Everyone should get out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing immediately, use the railway telephone if there is one, and move the vehicle clear only if there is time. If the alarm sounds or the amber light comes on, the Code says to leave the vehicle and get clear at once.
Network Rail says there are nearly 6,000 level crossings on the rail network across England, Wales and Scotland, and divides them into passive crossings, where the only warning is a train horn and the user must stop, look and listen, and active crossings with gates, barriers, lights or alarms. Its user guidance for public road crossings tells drivers to stop if warnings are activated, make sure the exit is clear before going on, cross quickly and carefully, never stop on the crossing and wait for barriers to rise and lights to go out. It reports five accidental fatalities at level crossings in 2024/25.
Tramways: rules 300 to 307
Under rule 300 a driver must not enter a road, lane or route reserved for trams, should avoid driving directly on the rails and should take care where trams leave the main carriageway. Diamond-shaped signs and white light signals are for tram drivers only. Drivers are told to always give way to trams, not to race or overtake them or pass on the inside except at tram stops or where stopped by signals and a designated lane exists, and never to park where a tram would be obstructed, because a tram cannot steer round an obstacle. At stops without platforms a driver must not pass between a tram and the left-hand kerb while it picks up passengers.
For related rules, see the site’s guides to roundabouts and mini-roundabouts and parking and waiting rules.
Common questions
Are all Highway Code rules legal requirements?
No. The Code says rules using MUST or MUST NOT reflect legal requirements, while those using “should” or “do not” are advisory, although the Code may be used in evidence in court proceedings under the Traffic Acts.
The bottom line
At road works, level crossings and tramways the Highway Code asks for lower speed, larger gaps and strict obedience to signals, and several of its rules are legal requirements marked MUST. Never stopping on a crossing, always obeying flashing red lights and giving way to trams are the points most likely to matter to a new driver. The Highway Code applies in Great Britain, and Network Rail’s guidance reinforces the same steps.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Road works, level crossings and tramways (288 to 307)”
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Introduction”
- Network Rail, “Level crossing safety” (networkrail.co.uk)
- Network Rail, “Using level crossings safely” (networkrail.co.uk)