Do you need to look for trains if the crossing lights are off?

Yes. Approach slowly, ready to stop, and check both ways before you cross.

Can railway crossing lights fail?

They can, and they can also start flashing at any moment, so be ready to stop at every crossing.

Railway crossing · Crossings with lights

Railway crossing lights not flashing

Even with the lights dark, slow down, look both ways and be ready to stop.

Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 121Asked in road safetyShown in 2 practice questions

What it means

What does the railway crossing lights not flashing sign mean in NSW?

This is the same crossing as the flashing lights picture, with its RAILWAY CROSSING crossbuck, 2 TRACKS plate and red STOP ON RED SIGNAL panel, but both round lamps on the crossarm are dark. No train is being signalled right now. That is not a promise of a clear line: signals can fail, or start flashing just as you arrive. Cross slowly, looking both ways, ready to stop.

What to do

1
Slow down as you approach, even though nothing is flashing.
2
Look both ways along both tracks before you cross.
3
Stop at once if the lights start flashing before you reach the line.

Practice questions with this sign

You reach a level crossing with lights that are not flashing and no train in sight. How should you cross?

Right.Not quite. The answer is B.

Even when the signals are dark, approach ready to stop and check both ways before you cross.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 121

The signals at a level crossing are dark as you come up to it. How should you cross?

Right.Not quite. The answer is C.

Signals can fail or start at any moment. Approach every crossing ready to stop, and look both ways.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 121

Common questions

Do you need to look for trains if the crossing lights are off?: Yes. Approach slowly, ready to stop, and check both ways before you cross.
Can railway crossing lights fail?: They can, and they can also start flashing at any moment, so be ready to stop at every crossing.

Your L plate turns green when you would pass

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