Railroad Crossing Rules — What Every Driver Must Do
Railroad crossing accidents are among the most deadly traffic incidents — and almost all are preventable. Every driver must know the rules and warning signs at railroad crossings, as these are frequently tested on the DMV exam.
Key Facts to Remember
- Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail
- Never drive around or under a lowered crossing gate
- Stop when lights flash, gate lowers, or train is visible
- Wait until ALL tracks are clear before crossing
- School buses and hazmat vehicles must always stop
- Trains cannot stop quickly — never try to beat a train
Railroad Crossing Signs
The advance warning sign is a yellow diamond with an X and the letters RR — this is usually the first sign you see when approaching a crossing. The crossbuck sign is a white X-shaped sign at the crossing itself. It is a yield sign — you must yield to trains. If there is more than one track, a sign below the crossbuck will indicate how many tracks are present.
When You Must Stop
You are required by law to stop at a railroad crossing when: warning lights are flashing, the crossing gate is lowered or being lowered, a human flagger is warning of an approaching train, or an approaching train is clearly visible and close. Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail. Never drive around or under a lowered gate — it is illegal and extremely dangerous.
What to Do After Stopping
After the train passes, before crossing, make sure the crossing is completely clear. If there is more than one track, wait until you are certain all tracks are clear — a second train may be coming from the opposite direction. Never race a train to the crossing. Trains travel much faster than they appear and cannot stop quickly.
Vehicles That Must Always Stop
Certain vehicles must always stop at railroad crossings, even when no warning devices are active: school buses, passenger buses carrying passengers, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials. As a driver behind these vehicles, be prepared for them to stop at every crossing.
Example DMV Test Questions
1. When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights, you must:
- A. Slow to 15 mph and proceed if no train is visible
- B. Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail
- C. Stop only if the gate is lowered
- D. Yield but proceed if it seems safe
Explanation: When railroad crossing lights are flashing, you must stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail and wait until it is completely safe to cross.
2. A railroad crossing gate is down and the lights are flashing, but no train is visible. You should:
- A. Drive around the gate carefully
- B. Wait until the gate rises and lights stop flashing
- C. Proceed slowly since no train is visible
- D. Honk and proceed
Explanation: It is illegal to drive around or under a crossing gate. You must wait until the gate fully rises and lights stop flashing before proceeding.
3. Which vehicle must always stop at railroad crossings, even when no warning signals are active?
- A. Pickup trucks
- B. Motorcycles
- C. School buses
- D. SUVs
Explanation: School buses, passenger buses with passengers, and hazardous materials vehicles are required by law to stop at all railroad crossings, regardless of whether warning signals are active.
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