OpenRailwayMap/Tagging in France

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Signalling

All railway signals have the following tags:


Main signals

Carré

An absolute stop signal for normal train operations, typically found on main lines or at stations. The signal displays two steady red lights, arranged either vertically or horizontally. It is equipped with a clearing light (referred to as an œilleton in French), which is illuminated in all states except when the signal is closed (i.e. displaying the FR:C state). The signal also features an identification plate bearing the inscription Nf in white letters on a black background.

The signal may also be equipped with a marker plate (railway:signal:main:caption:marker tag) and/or a block plate (railway:signal:main:plate:block and railway:signal:main:caption:block tags) indicating the block system downstream of the signal. The inscriptions on these plates are written in black letters on a white background.

In some stations, the entrance Carré signal may be topped with a luminous yellow stripe (Bande jaune). This stripe is lit in addition to the announcement (Avertissement) light. It instructs the driver to be prepared to stop at the platform within a short distance, either due to the presence of vehicles or the closure of an intermediate stop signal.

The signal is tagged as follows:

Optional tags:

Identification and features

Plates and captions

Carré violet

An absolute stop signal, similar to the Carré signal, specifically used to control train movements during shunting operations, on service tracks, or during transitions of traffic to and from main lines. The signal displays a single steady purple light and is also equipped with an identification plate bearing the inscription Nf in white letters on a black background.

Like the Carré signal, this signal may be equipped with a marker plate and/or a block plate with inscriptions in black letters on a white background.

The signal is tagged as follows:

Optional tags:

Identification and features

Plates and captions

Sémaphore

A stop signal that can be passed under certain conditions. The signal may display either a steady or flashing red light. It is also equipped with an Identification Plate featuring one of the following inscriptions in white letters on a black background:

The actual inscription is specified with the railway:signal:main:plate tag.

The signal is tagged as follows:

Optional tags:


Guidon d'arrêt

A stop signal that requires the driver to come to a complete stop before the signal. When in the open position, the signal does not display any specific indication other than the red stripe being extinguished. It is equipped with an identification plate with the inscription GA and may also have a marker plate, both featuring inscriptions in black letters on a white background.


Distant signals

Disque

A Disque (Disk) signal instructs the driver to proceed at sight (Marche à Vue) as soon as possible or to stop before the first set of points (switch or crossing) protected by the disk. It is equipped with an identification plate bearing the inscription D in black letters on a white background.


Avertissement

An Avertissement (Announcement) signal indicates the approach to a closed sémaphore of Block Automatique à Permissivité Restreinte (BAPR). It is equipped with an identification plate bearing the inscription A in black letters on a white background.


Disabled signal

Signals not currently in use (e.g. deactivated or out of service) are marked with a white Saint Andrew's cross.

Use one of the following tags depending on the signal type (main or distant):


Permanent speed limits

Speed limits are signaled by Speed Indicators called Tableau Indicateur de Vitesse limite (TIV); TIVs can be either mobile, fixed or pentagonal.

Mobile speed indicators

Points that can only be crossed at reduced speed in the thrown direction (approximately 60 km/h) are typically preceded by two mobile speed indicators: a diamond-shaped TIV à Distance (TIV-D) followed by a speed limit reminder called TIV de Rappel (TIV-R).

These boards can be luminous or mechanical; when open, they present a continuous white vertical band.

Mobile distant TIV board
Mechanical Luminous

The signal is tagged as follows:

Optional tags:


Mobile reminder TIV board

The TIV-R is always paired with the Carré signal preceding the point.

Mechanical Luminous

The signal is tagged as follows:

Optional tags:

Chevrons

If necessary, the location of the point (or the first point in the case of successive points) is identified by a downward-pointing chevron.

Fixed speed indicators

Fixed distant TIV board (Ordinary type)

Fixed distant speed indicators of the ordinary type (TIV fixes à distance du type ordinaire) are square-shaped when indicating a speed reduction of less than 40 km/h, and diamond-shaped otherwise.

Square Diamond-shape

The signal is tagged as follows:

Optional tags:


The Z sign is the execution signal indicating the start of the section to be traveled at limited speed.

The R sign indicates the end of the section where the speed limit is required and the return to normal speed (Reprise de vitesse).

Fixed distant TIV board (B type)

B-type fixed distant speed indicators (TIV fixes à distance du type B) apply to trains authorized to travel at speeds greater than 140 km/h. When only a B-type indicator is present, the speed limit also applies to self-propelled trains (automoteurs).

Fixed distant TIV board (C type)

C-type fixed distant speed indicators (TIV fixes à distance du type C) specifically apply to railcars and self-propelled trains (autorails et automoteurs).

When a B-type and a C-type fixed distant speed indicator are paired, the speed limit shown by the B-type indicator applies only to trains authorized to exceed 140 km/h. The C-type indicator serves as a reminder of the upstream speed limit for railcars and self-propelled trains.

If the speed limit differs between pendular trains and other self-propelled trains, the C-type indicator displays two numbers. The lower section, in italics and showing the higher value, indicates the limit for pendular trains; the upper section shows the limit for other self-propelled units.

Speed limit announcement (P board)

The P board announces a distant speed indicator (TIV-D) for lines equipped with pre-announcement signalling. This sign applies only to trains running at speeds higher than 160 km/h and requires the train to pass the next TIV-D at a speed lower than 160 km/h. This sign is lit at night.


Pentagonal speed indicators

Pentagonal TIVs typically concern freight trains and possibly certain locomotive series. The TIV figure specifies the maximum speed in tens of kilometers per hour (e.g. 5 stands for 50 km/h).

Pentagonal distant TIV board

A distant upward-pointing pentagonal speed indicator (TIV-D) announces a special speed restriction. When the restriction applies only to certain locomotive series, the pentagonal TIV-D is accompanied by an L plate placed below it.

Pentagonal execution TIV board

A downward-pointing pentagonal TIV, with a white digit on a black background, serves as the execution signal indicating the beginning of the track section to be traversed at a limited speed.

Pentagonal white board

A downward-pointing pentagonal white board without any markings indicates the end of the track section to be traversed at a limited speed.


Speed marker (Km sign)

A speed marker or Repère de Vitesse is used in conjunction with TIVs to indicate transition points of the speed limit when these do not coincide with notable landmarks.


Route indicators

Routes are signaled with either an Indicateur de Direction (ID) or a Tableau Indicateur de Direction à Distance (TIDD), or both.

Indicateur de Direction

An Indicateur de Direction (ID) is typically grouped with the Carré signal preceding the relevant facing point(s).

Tableau Indicateur de Direction à Distance

The Tableau Indicateur de Direction à Distance (TIDD) indicates the position of the next point, either left or right unless the next signal displays a closed Carré in which case, the TIDD is off.

Branch lines

The BIF board announces a trailing switch junction with multiple tracks.

The Y board announces a facing switch junction.


Cab signalling

To allow trains to run safely at speeds above 220 km/h, traditional lineside signals are replaced by in-cab signalling systems. These systems transmit movement authorities and speed instructions directly to the driver's cab.

In France, the two main cab signalling systems are Transmission Voie-Machine (TVM) and the European Train Control System (ETCS).

CAB boards

The train is directed towards a cab signalling line. One or more boards of this type precede the entry.

The train enters a cab signalling line. This sign is at the position of the last signal or immediately downstream of that signal.

The train is returning to a traditional lateral signalling line.

Block markers
TVM block marker

ETCS block marker

Arrow Stop Marker

If both signs are located at the same position, use the following tagging scheme:

Shunting markers

A shunting marker or Jalon de Manœuvre is placed at a point where certain train movements are executed. These movements may include reversing, shunting, or departing trains from a work site. The white chevron points to the track involved.


Wrong-direction signalling

These boards are used on double-track sections equipped with wrong-direction signalling installations, also known in French as Installations Permanentes de Contresens (IPCS).

The wrong-direction entry board or Tableau d'Entrée de Contresens (TECS) indicates or confirms to the driver that the train is authorised to run in the opposite direction to normal traffic.

The wrong-direction exit board or Tableau de Sortie de Contresens (TSCS) informs the driver that the train, currently running in the wrong direction, is now directed back to the normal running direction.


Stations and facilities

Stations

The Gare sign indicates the approach to a facility where special regulations for stations apply. Typically, a downward-pointing chevron placed in front of the entry point marks the entrance to the facility.


Facilities

In this context, facility refers to any non-station railway site (établissement) such as a depot, yard, or technical installation.

This type of sign indicates the distance to the next facility.

This sign marks the approach to a facility where points must not be passed at a speed exceeding 30 km/h (40 km/h on certain lines).

The boundary of certain facilities are marked by the diamond-shaped sign below:


Stops


The Jalon d'arrêt à damier rouge et blanc (red and white checkered stop marker) is similar to the Carré signal; it commands a stop before the point where it is placed and cannot be crossed.

Passenger stops

Signs used to mark the stopping point for passenger trains.

Stopping point for the front of the train (Tête de Train), regardless of the number of vehicles in the train.

Stopping point for the front of the train (Tête de Train), regardless of the number of vehicles in the train, including the locomotive.

Stopping point for trains equipped for driver-only operations, referred to as Équipé Agent Seul (EAS).

Stopping point for trains composed of the number of carriages indicated on the sign.

Stopping point for TGVs. The number indicates the number of rakes: 1=single unit, 2=multiple units.


Train departure

Departure request

Some Carré signals are equipped with a Demande de Départ (DD) plate. The driver waiting for departure must, one minute before the scheduled departure time or if they notice the corresponding Carré signal has opened, request departure authorization by telephone.

Departure authorization

At the exit of certain tracks, departure authorization may be given to the driver by means of a flashing half-white, half-green Signal Lumineux de Départ (SLD).

Alternatively, departure authorization may be given simply by the opening of the corresponding Carré signal; these Carré signals are identified by a half-white, half-green plate.


Service tracks and shunting

Some yards or groups of converging tracks have dedicated exit signalling.

Tableau Lumineux de Correspondance

A Tableau Lumineux de Correspondance (TLC) for converging tracks is a signal installed at ground level to the left of the track it addresses and is normally off. At any given time, it can display one of the following:

  1. A white letter T, either fixed if the group signal is open or flashing, if the group signal is closed.
  2. The Signal Lumineux de Départ if applicable.
  3. A red and white checkerboard, which has the same meaning as the Jalon d'Arrêt and is used instead of the Chevron.

Tableau Indicateur de Provenance

At the exit of some service track yards, a Tableau Indicateur de Provenance (TIP), a track indicator, complements the chevron. It can display any of the numbers designating each of the tracks. When the TIP displays a number, the driver on the corresponding track is allowed to cross the chevron. When the group signal is closed, the driver can advance to an agreed point, usually in preparation for a reversing movement.

Signal Lumineux de Manœuvre

A Signal Lumineux de Manœuvre (SLM) is installed in some facilities to facilitate maneuvers involving the execution of shunting movements on the main track (such as the parking of a train by pushing) or on a service track. It consists of three white lights, which are normally off.

Other shunting boards

Upward-pointing chevrons indicate either an exit from a junction of converging tracks or, in some stations, the point beyond which trains must not proceed when a stop is required.

The G (Garage) board indicates that the train is directed towards a service track.

The D (Depot) board indicates that the train is directed towards depot tracks.

The LGR (Limite pour Garage par Refoulement) board.

LM (Limite de Manœuvre) board.

MV (Marche à Vue) board.

The Imp (Impasse) board indicates that the train is directed towards a dead-end track. .

The Heurtoir à xxx mètres board announces a buffer stop at the specified distance.

The SAS board indicates that the train is directed towards a generally very short section of track (sas) with Carré signals at each end.


Electrified railway lines

Neutral sections

A neutral section (or zone de sectionnement) is a grounded catenary section, isolated on both sides, used to separate portions of track either powered by different substations or phases, or when switching voltages from 1500 V DC to 25 kV AC and vice versa, or to accommodate different voltages and frequencies in cross-border areas.

The main circuit breaker must be opened while the train passes through this section, which it traverses using its own kinetic energy called marche sur l'erre.

Advance sign for neutral section

The advance sign indicates the presence of a neutral section ahead, located at the specified distance (in meters).

Neutral section execution signal

Execution signal.

Neutral section end signal

Signals indicating the end of the neutral section.

The signal is tagged as follows:

Optional tags:

REV Sign

End of the neutral section for reversible trains or trains with multiple pantographs.

The sign is tagged as follows:

Optional tags:


Pantographs

Pantograph down advance signal

The Pantograph Down advance signal (signal à distance "Baissez panto") instructs the lowering of the train's pantograph(s) under specific circumstances:

  • Transition from 1500 V DC to 25 kV AC: Required when switching from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) power supply.
  • Between Two 25 kV Substations: Necessary due to phase shift, which can cause a potential difference of up to 70 kV at a 180° phase difference.
  • Phase Change: Used to redistribute the electrical load within the network.
  • Cross-border Areas: Needed when crossing borders where different electrical systems may be in operation.
  • Crossing Certain Structures: Specific structures may require the pantograph to be lowered for safety or operational reasons.

Pantograph down execution signal

Pantograph down execution signal (signal d'exécution "Baissez Panto").

The signal is tagged as follows:

Optional tags:

Pantograph down end signal

Signal indicating the end of the route with pantograph down (signal de fin de parcours "Baissez Panto").

The signal is tagged as follows:

Optional tags:

Dual-mode traffic

Distant signal announcing traffic towards a non-electrified line. This sign accompanies the Baissez Panto (Pantograph down) distant and execution signals when they apply only to dual-mode traffic. In this case, they are not followed by a Pantograph down end signal.

Distant signal announcing traffic coming from a non-electrified line for dual-mode trains only. This sign accompanies the Pantograph down end signal when it applies only to dual-mode traffic. It is not preceded by the Baissez Panto (Pantograph Down) distant and execution signals.

End of catenary

Beyond this sign, the line is no longer electrified and only thermal or dual-mode trains can continue.

Stop markers

The Jalon d'arrêt à damier bleu et blanc (blue and white checkered stop marker) is used exclusively on service tracks. It commands the stop of shunting movements for electric traction trains. This reflectorized sign has the same meaning as the Jalon d'arrêt à damier rouge et blanc, but applies only to electric trains.

Frost board


Level crossings

Level crossing announcement

This sign informs the driver that they are approaching an unguarded level crossing where they must stop in accordance with specific operating instructions.

Level crossing ahead

This sign indicates the operating mode of the level crossing:

  • Automatic mode (no white band): closure is triggered automatically when a section of track — starting about 20 meters before the crossing — is occupied.
  • Manual mode (white band): closure or operation is carried out by the train crew.
Automatic mode Manual mode

The sign is tagged as follows:

Optional tags:


Whistle

The S sign indicates locations where the driver must sound the horn, such as when approaching unguarded level crossings, entering tunnels, or passing through areas with reduced visibility.

When a J plate is present below the S sign, it indicates that the whistling obligation applies only during daytime (between 07:00 and 20:00).

The sign is tagged as follows:


Miscellaneous signs and boards

Section with reduced loading gauge.

Sources

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