The invention relates to a method for displaying information about the operation of a rail vehicle (1) for other traffic participants, comprising projecting at least one free area (6, 7, 8, 9) that can be stepped on and/or driven on onto the surface of a travel path (10) of a first rail vehicle, wherein the at least one free area (6, 7, 8, 9) that can be stepped on and/or driven on is projected from the first rail vehicle by means of a projection device (2a-2h). The invention further relates to a rail vehicle (1), in particular a streetcar, having a device for projecting a free area that can be stepped on and/or driven on onto the surface of a travel path (10) of the rail vehicle.