Railroad and Light Rail Crossings
Railroad and Light Rail Crossings use signs, pavement markings, and active devices to warn that a train or light-rail vehicle shares the road. This domain tests whether you can distinguish passive warning from active control, obey signals and gates, and avoid stopping on tracks.
Core rules and concepts
- A crossbuck is a white X-shaped sign marked RAILROAD CROSSING. It means yield to trains; a stop sign may be added at some crossings.
- A yellow circular advance-warning sign with an RXR symbol warns of a crossing ahead.
- Pavement markings may include R X R and a stop line before the tracks.
- A number plaque shows how many tracks you must cross; do not move until all tracks are clear.
- Flashing red lights require a stop. Gates, when present, require you to stop and remain stopped until the gate rises and the lights stop.
- Light rail signs and signals warn of trains that may be quieter and faster than expected.
Worked example
You approach a crossbuck, a 2 TRACKS plaque, and flashing red lights. Even if the first train has passed, the plaque warns of a second track. You stop at the stop line, check both directions, and wait until the lights stop flashing and the gate is fully up before crossing. If a train is visible but the lights are not flashing, you still yield rather than try to beat it.
Traps
A crossbuck alone does not always require a full stop when no train is present, but you must yield. Do not stop on the tracks for traffic ahead. Do not interpret a gate that has started down as permission to hurry through. Do not rely on pavement markings that may be worn or covered by snow.