Train, tram, bus: three rules of their own
⏱️ 2 min read
Three vehicles escape the usual priority rules: the tram, the train and — in one specific case — the bus. On a moped, facing several tonnes on rails, you'd better know these rules by heart.
✨ Key takeaways
- The tram has priority even when it comes from your left.
- At the level crossing: flashing red lights or a bell = compulsory stop.
- Never slalom between the half-barriers, even on a two-wheeler.
- Only cross the tracks if you can clear them completely.
- In a built-up area, let the bus leave its stop when it signals.
The tram: it has priority, full stop
The tram does not follow priority from the right: it has priority over other road users, whether it comes from your left or your right, unless signs indicate otherwise. It can neither swerve nor stop short: as soon as you see rails on the ground, expect to have to give way.
The train: absolute priority at the level crossing
At a level crossing, the train always has absolute priority: at speed, it needs hundreds of metres to stop. The St Andrew's cross marks the exact spot of the crossing (single cross = one track, double = several tracks).
- Flashing red lights or a bell: stopping is compulsory, even if the barriers are not (yet) lowered.
- Barriers closed or moving: you do not cross, you do not zigzag between the half-barriers — even with a narrow moped that "would easily fit through".
- Only move onto the tracks if you can clear them completely: traffic backed up on the other side? You wait before the rails.
The bus pulling out of its stop
In a built-up area, when a bus signals to leave its stop, you must slow down and, if necessary, stop to let it pull back in — if you can do so safely. Outside built-up areas, this obligation does not apply, but staying careful remains the best option: a bus pulling out is not something you argue with on a moped.
| Vehicle | The rule |
|---|---|
| Tram | Priority everywhere, even coming from the left (unless signs indicate otherwise) |
| Train | Absolute priority at the level crossing; flashing red lights = stop |
| Bus leaving its stop | In a built-up area: you let it pull back in if it is safe to do so |
At the level crossing, the red lights are flashing but the barriers are still up. What do you do?