Railway crossings

By the end of this topic you can

• You can recognize the signs and markings that warn of a crossing.
• You can stop at a safe distance when a train is coming or signals are active.
• You can make sure you have room to clear the tracks before crossing.
• You can respond correctly if your vehicle stalls on the tracks.
• You can expect buses and other vehicles to stop at crossings.

What you need to know and understand

• Public road crossings are marked with a white X-shaped sign with a red outline; yellow advance warning signs and a large X on the pavement may appear before them.
• In Ontario, if a train is coming you must stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail or gate.
• Wait until flashing lights stop and gates fully rise before crossing.
• Never drive around, under or through a gate that is down, coming down or going up.
• After one train passes, check for a second train on another track before you go.
• Do not start across unless there is room to clear the tracks completely on the other side.
• In Ontario, school buses must stop at all railway crossings; most other buses must stop at crossings without gates, signal lights or a stop sign.
• At a crossing with a stop sign, you must stop unless a flagman directs you otherwise.

Approaching any crossing

1. Watch for the advance warning sign and pavement X, and slow down.
2. Turn down the radio and listen; open the window a little if needed.
3. Look both ways along the tracks, as far as you can see.
4. If lights are flashing, a gate is down or a train is coming, stop at least 5 metres back (Ontario) from the nearest rail or gate.
5. Check that the other side has space for your whole vehicle.
6. Cross without stopping or changing gear on the tracks.

Signals, gates and second trains

Flashing red lights mean a train is approaching, even if you cannot see it yet. Stay stopped until the lights go off and any gate is fully up. A crossing with more than one track can hide a second train behind the first, so look again before you move.

Trains always look slower and further away than they really are because of their size.

If you get stuck on the tracks

Never stop on the tracks in queued traffic. Wait behind the crossing until there is room to clear it.

• Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately.
• Move well away from the tracks to a safe place.
• Call for help: 911, or the railway emergency number if one is posted at the crossing.
• Do not go back to the vehicle.

Common mistakes

• Following traffic onto the tracks when the line ahead is not moving.
• Driving around a lowered gate because the train looks far away.
• Going as soon as one train passes, without checking for a second.
• Not expecting the bus ahead to stop at the crossing.

Test yourself: Railway crossings

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Railway crossing rules in Canada for learner drivers