Safety 29 October 2025
3 minutes

Level crossings: adopt the right habits to avoid the worst

With around 1,000 trains travelling on the rail network every day and heavy road traffic, approaching a level crossing requires following a few simple rules — essential habits to ensure everyone’s safety. Illustrated with images.

First general tip: slow down when approaching a level crossing and always respect the signals. As soon as the barriers come down and the signals (light and/or sound) are activated, you must not cross the level crossing. Wait until the light and sound signals stop and the barriers are completely open.

If the lights are flashing or the audible signals are activated while you are crossing, continue on your way in order to clear the level crossing immediately.
Ensure that your vehicle — including any load or trailer — can completely cross the tracks.
If your vehicle is stuck between the barriers, continue and break through them. They are designed for this purpose by our teams.
If you encounter any problems at a level crossing, please contact the CFL by using the yellow telephone located at each level crossing or by dialling the emergency number 112.
Never cross a closed level crossing and behave in an exemplary manner.
At bus stops/stations, use the underground passage to access the platforms.

All safety advice for level crossings can be found here: PN-Depliant-General-2025-FR.pdf

Crossing a closed level crossing = RISKING YOUR LIFE - Anyone who fails to comply with these rules will be fined €49 for stopping their vehicle on the tracks at a level crossing (even if there is no train in sight). A fine of €145 and two points on their driving licence will be imposed on anyone who fails to obey red lights signalling the closure of a level crossing.

The breaking distance of a train can be up to 1,200 metres, which is 12 times the length of a football field. A train driver who sees you standing alongside the tracks, or worse, on the tracks, will not necessarily be able to stop the train before reaching you.

Read also: Comment ça marche : la fabrication des barrières de passage à niveau

800 crossings = 800 lives at risk

In 2024, the CFL staff recorded nearly 800 cases of customers crossing the tracks or walking along the rails without authorisation: more than two cases per day. This resulted in approximately 16,000 minutes of delays and 275 train cancellations.

As summarised in this CFL awareness campaign, never cross the tracks: Ne traversez pas les voies, utilisez le souterrain. Votre vie en dépend – Trespad 2025

The safest level crossing… is the one that has been removed.

In a context where safety remains an absolute priority, the gradual removal of level crossings is a clear objective on the CFL’s agenda. Currently, there are 105 level crossings in operation throughout the country. From the analysis phase to the completion of the work, this type of project takes an average of ten years to complete, given the specific characteristics of each site and the involvement of numerous public and private stakeholders. Since 2012, 42 have already been removed, an average of one to two per year, thanks to simultaneous progress at several sites.

The CFL are currently working on removing level crossing PN59 in Milbech (municipality of Contern): In Milbech, a Successful Lateral Shift and a Level Crossing Soon to Be Removed

During the All Saints’ Day holiday, work will be carried out in Colmar-Usines and Dommeldange with a view to removing two level crossings in these localities: CFL | We are working for your mobility of tomorrow

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