Hey guys
Stupid me did a very stupid thing today and I just need some info if you guys know.
So it was a level crossing where the lights were blinking, I stopped for a few seconds but the ramp didn't move. And then I tought maybe a train is not coming so I passed with my car. But I saw in the mirror that the car behind me stopped and also a car in front of me stopped. After I passed a couple of seconds later the ramp started to lower but it was too late and I already have done a big stupid thing.
So my question is, worst case scenario if there was a camera, how big a fine can I expect ? Can i lose my licence ?
And second, are there cameras normally al level crossings ?
Again please just helpful comments, I already know I did a stupid thing and I can't change it.
No camera but highly dangerous.
And highly stupid, I agree.
I am not here to justify myself, I take full blame and consider myself lucky.
Do you know maybe how much are the fines ?
Not looking to repeat my mistake but still just curious.
Would be treated like a red light: CHF 250 fine if no one is endangered. OBV Item 309.2 (Red light is Item 309.1)
The slightly worse outcome is this here: https://www.srf.ch/news/regional/zue…-uster-erfasst
I leave it to the imagination which one is the ultimate worst scenario.
Note: If you are trapped, just drive on. The barriers are built to break/give way. (You will have to inform SBB and police afterwards)
Ah okay, I would deserve this honestly.
Thanks for your answer.
Even if it is not clearly sign posted, it is often wise to give priority to trains.
The nearest I have come to road rage was, years ago now, when I was driving through a level crossing in Köniz, Bern and someone reversed out of a parking space just ahead of me, forcing me to stop and partially blocking my exit. There was no train coming but it was, nevertheless, an alarming experience.
I learned my lesson, for sure. It was just a weird situation with the ramp not lowering for at least 10 seconds but still totaly my fault.
That must have been pretty stresfull I would imagine, glad you were okay and there were no trains in sight. I would also rage in that situation probably.
Just saw your edit now.
Uff that must have been pretty bad but yeah I definitely would not stop in the middle if the ramps would have closed.
But again you never know how different people react in a stresfull situation.
Also important. After the train has passed, one must wait until the lights are no longer flashing, even when the barriers are raised.
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.
Hopefully this will not end up in any punishment for you!
In other countries (Czechia) the lights are always blinking on the railway crossing.
Just another source of confusion when traveling
I lived in eastern europe for almost 2 years and now after your message I finally remembered where I witnessed this, hence my confusion today.
But still I am using this as an excuse.
There are several level crossings near to where we live, as this is the line for the train to Lugano.
The lights start flashing before the barriers are lowered and to me it seems there is not much time in between. I have never seen anyone drive through the flashing lights. That would be very dangerous. The lights and barriers are also meant to warn people not to cross the road as the train is approaching.
The tricky part is when there is a traffic jam, to stop before the barrier so as not to get stuck sitting in traffic while on the track!
Should be typically about 10 to 12 seconds but depends on the distance between the barriers. SBB explanation here
Adam, what happened then? Did you get stuck between the barriers- did the train rush just past you? Wahoo- pheew you are here to tell the tale.
As per what OP wrote. OP drove on.
The barriers were up for more than 10seconds, only after I passed a few seconds later they lowered.
Still here for now.
The barrier closing is anyway a timed sequence and the entry barrier shuts sometime before the exit barrier. Of course, that does not help much if there is a nose to tail traffic jam in the area of the crossing or the exit is otherwise blocked.
The lights start first for 10-15 seconds to warn you to stop as the barriers will be closing, it would be fairly pointless to lower the barrier before having the lights flash
If the police saw you i think you may have a lot of other problems apart from a Chf 250.-- fine
There are quite a few places where time span between the lights flashing and the barriers lowering seems exaggerated and this prompts drivers, especially local ones, to drive though flashing red lights.
If there were no cameras nor police in the vicinity, you‘re fine. Lesson learned.