When approaching a level crossing with infrequent train traffic, are you always required to check for any approaching trains?
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Correct answer
YES
Explanation
In the photo you are driving along a country road towards a level crossing without barriers, with signs A-10 and B-20, a St Andrew's cross and a light signal. Even with the light train traffic assumed in the question, you are always obliged to make sure that no rail vehicle is approaching. The answer is: yes.
The Road Traffic Act states that a driver approaching and driving over a level crossing is obliged to exercise particular caution, and before entering the tracks - to make sure that no rail vehicle is approaching, and to take appropriate precautions, especially in reduced visibility. The rule has no exception for lines with little traffic - on the contrary, many accidents happen at such level crossings, because drivers who use them every day stop looking, "because nothing ever comes here". A goods train or a rail trolley may appear once every few days, but once is enough. In addition, sign B-20 requires you to stop before the tracks, so a glance both ways costs nothing. The habit: before every level crossing you slow down and look left, right and left again.
Legal basis: Art. 28 para. 1 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym); § 21 para. 1 and 4 of the Regulation on road signs and signals