Railroad Crossing Signs and Signals
Railroad crossings combine signs, pavement markings, and active signals. The exam tests the advance warning sign, the crossbuck, and the required stop distance when lights flash or gates lower.
Core rules
- A round yellow sign with a black X and RR is the advance warning sign for a railroad crossing.
- The crossbuck is a white X-shaped sign reading RAILROAD CROSSING; it means yield to trains. A number below it shows the number of tracks.
- Flashing red lights mean stop; gates mean stop and stay stopped until the gate rises and the lights stop.
- Pennsylvania requires stopping within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail when a train is approaching or signals are active.
- Never stop on the tracks; wait until there is room to clear the crossing completely.
- Multiple tracks require looking both ways again after one train passes, because a second train can approach.
Worked example
You approach a crossing as red lights begin flashing and the gate starts down. The correct action is to stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail and wait. Do not drive around the gate or squeeze past before it lowers. After the train clears, wait until the gate is fully up and the lights stop flashing, then look both ways and cross without stopping on the tracks.
Traps
The crossbuck is not a stop sign in the ordinary sense; it means yield, and you must stop if a train is coming. The round advance sign is not the crossing itself. Do not rely on the gate alone - lights can activate before gates lower. Do not stop immediately after the tracks; clear them fully.