When you reach a level crossing, are you obliged to look out for any approaching rail vehicle, even if the barriers are raised?

The question is about approaching a level crossing where the barriers are raised. Even then you must make sure that no rail vehicle is approaching. The answer is: yes.

The Road Traffic Act states that the driver of a vehicle, when approaching a level crossing and when driving across it, is obliged to exercise particular caution, and before driving onto the tracks - to make sure that no rail vehicle is approaching and to take appropriate precautions, especially when visibility is reduced. The rule makes no exception for crossings with barriers: raised barriers and lights that are off tell you that the equipment has not detected a train, but the equipment may be faulty, switched off or only just starting to work - the barriers come down after the red lights come on, and by then the train is already close. That is why before every level crossing, also one with raised barriers, you slow down so that you can stop, look left and right along the tracks, and only then do you drive on, having also made sure that there is space beyond the crossing to continue driving.

Legal basis: Art. 28 para. 1 and para. 3 point 2 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)