Railroad and Crossing Signs
Railroad and Crossing Signs
Railroad signs warn of tracks and tell you whether to yield or stop. The exam tests the round advance-warning sign, the crossbuck, flashing lights and gates, multiple-track warnings, and the required stopping position. Trains cannot stop quickly and always have the right of way.
Core rules
- A round yellow sign with a black X and RR means a railroad crossing is ahead. Slow down, look both ways, and listen; roll down the window if needed.
- A crossbuck-white X-shaped sign with RAILROAD CROSSING-means yield to trains. If a stop sign is also posted, you must stop; otherwise slow and yield.
- Flashing red lights, a lowered gate, or a flagger means stop. Never go around a lowered gate or drive through a flashing signal.
- When you must stop, stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. Do not stop on the tracks; make sure there is room to clear them completely.
- Multiple tracks may be marked by a plaque such as 2 TRACKS. Wait for one train to clear and check for a second train before crossing.
- Do not shift gears or stall on the tracks; cross without stopping once you have checked that it is safe.
Worked example
You approach a crossbuck with flashing red lights but no gate. You do not see a train. The lights are the controlling warning: stop, not merely yield. Wait until the lights stop flashing and you have checked both directions. Do not cross because you cannot see the train; it may be hidden by fog, curves, or another train.
Traps that cost marks
The crossbuck is not just a warning-it requires you to yield. Do not stop 5 feet from the rail or 60 feet away; the legal stop zone is 15 to 50 feet. Do not stop on the tracks in traffic. Do not pass around a gate. And do not assume one train means the crossing is clear; check for a second train on multiple tracks.