Railroad and Crossing Signs
Railroad and crossing signs warn of tracks and tell you where and how to stop. Florida's test includes both passive crossings (signs only) and active crossings (lights, bells, gates), and it expects precise answers about when a stop is required.
The round advance sign and crossbuck
A round yellow sign with a black X and 'RR' is an advance warning placed before the crossing. At the crossing, the crossbuck is a white X-shaped sign with black letters reading RAILROAD CROSSING. The crossbuck means yield; if a train is approaching, you must stop. A small sign below the crossbuck shows the number of tracks, so you know a second train may follow.
Active devices
Flashing red lights, bells and gates mean a train is approaching. Stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the gates are fully raised. If the lights flash but the gate is up, still stop - the lights control. Never drive around or under a lowered gate, and never stop on the tracks; wait until there is room on the far side.
Pavement and emergency signs
Pavement markings before the crossing show a large 'R X R' and a stop line. A blue-and-white emergency notification sign lists a 1-800 number and the crossing's DOT number; use it to report a stalled vehicle or signal problem. An 'EXEMPT' sign applies only to certain vehicles required to stop, not to ordinary cars.
Worked example
You approach a crossing with flashing red lights and a raised gate. The road beyond is clear. You must stop and wait. The raised gate does not cancel the red lights. Once the lights stop flashing and the gate remains up, check both directions for a second train, then cross without stopping on the tracks.
Traps that cost marks
Do not treat the crossbuck as a warning that allows you to proceed without looking. Do not assume one train means the crossing is clear; the number-of-tracks sign warns of another. Do not follow a vehicle onto the tracks when traffic is backed up. Do not confuse the round advance sign with the crossbuck at the crossing itself.