29 railway crossing violations recorded near Cēsis so far this year
State Police report 29 cases near Cēsis this year of drivers damaging railway barriers or crossing tracks against a red signal, and are urging caution at level crossings.
The State Police's Vidzeme regional department has warned about a persistently high number of traffic violations at railway crossings in the Cēsis area. As of August 10 this year, 29 cases have been recorded of drivers failing to follow traffic rules — either damaging barriers or crossing the tracks while the signal light showed a prohibiting red signal. By comparison, 35 such cases were recorded throughout all of 2025, meaning this year's tally is already approaching last year's total.
Police appeal
Police are urging drivers to exercise particular caution at level crossings and never cross the tracks when the red signal is lit or the barrier is lowered. Such behavior can cause not only material damage, by breaking crossing equipment, but can also seriously endanger lives, since a train's braking distance is far longer than a vehicle's, meaning a train operator cannot stop suddenly in an unexpected situation.
Penalties in place
Failing to observe a red signal while crossing the tracks carries a fine of 40 to 70 euros and four penalty points. Ignoring a stop sign, stop line, or the required five-meter distance before the barrier when the red signal is lit can bring a warning or a 10-euro fine, with no penalty points. Deliberately driving around a lowered barrier carries a much harsher penalty — a fine of 140 to 280 euros, suspension of driving privileges for six to 12 months, and six penalty points.
Police stress that a railway crossing is not a place to take risks to save a few seconds, and are asking residents to report any dangerous or deliberately reckless behavior they witness at level crossings.
