Photo: Tom Fisk, Pexels
When railroad crossing lights flash, a bell rings or gates come down, you must stop before the tracks and wait. California and New York both say stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track. Never go around or under a gate, and never stop on the tracks. This checklist covers what each sign and device means and which vehicles must stop at every crossing.
Key facts
- Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail when lights flash, a bell sounds, gates are down or a train is coming (California, New York).
- Do not cross until the lights stop flashing, even if the gates start to rise (California).
- Buses carrying passengers and placarded hazardous-materials vehicles must stop at crossings. Under federal rules for commercial vehicles they stop within 50 feet of, and no closer than 15 feet to, the tracks.
- A crossbuck (white X sign marked RAILROAD CROSSING) means yield to trains in most states.
- Every crossing must have a blue Emergency Notification System sign with a phone number and crossing ID.
Signs and devices at a railroad crossing
| You see | What it means | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Round yellow sign with an X and RR | Advance warning: crossing ahead | Slow down, look, listen, be ready to stop |
| White X and RR painted on the road | Crossing ahead (used on many paved approaches) | Same as above. No passing near it. |
| Crossbuck (white X-shaped sign) | Railroad crossing. Yield to trains. | Slow, look both ways, stop if a train is coming |
| Crossbuck with a YIELD or STOP sign | Passive crossing with no lights or gates | Yield or stop as signed, then cross only when clear |
| Number of tracks plaque | More than one track | Look for a second train after the first passes |
| Flashing red lights or bell | A train is coming | Stop and wait |
| Gates lowering or down | A train is coming | Stop. Never drive around or under a gate. |
| EXEMPT plaque | Buses and hazmat vehicles do not have to stop here | Other drivers still look and yield |
How far from the tracks do you stop?
California and New York both say to stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track when a signal, gate or person warns of a train. If there is a white stop line, stop behind it.
The federal rule for commercial vehicles that must always stop sets a stop zone of within 50 feet but not closer than 15 feet. Some state laws use the same 15 to 50 foot zone. Check your own state handbook for its exact wording.
Checklist: crossing safely
- Slow down when you see the advance warning sign. California sets a 15 mph limit within 100 feet of a crossing where you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions.
- Turn down the music, look both ways and listen. Expect a train on any track, at any time, in either direction (California).
- If lights, a bell, gates or a flagger warn of a train, stop at least 15 feet back.
- After a train passes, check for a second train on another track before you go.
- Go only when the lights have stopped and the gates are fully up.
- Before you start across, make sure there is room on the other side for your whole vehicle. New York says do not cross unless your entire vehicle will clear all the tracks.
- Do not change lanes or pass on the approach. California bans passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
Which vehicles must always stop at railroad crossings?
Under state handbooks (California, New York) and federal rules for commercial vehicles:
- buses carrying passengers, including school buses,
- vehicles displaying hazardous materials placards,
- certain cargo tank trucks, loaded or empty (federal rule).
Expect these vehicles to stop at a crossing even when no train is coming. Leave room behind them and do not pass them on the approach. Exceptions include crossings with an EXEMPT sign and crossings where a police officer or flagger waves traffic on.
What to do if your car stalls on the tracks
California’s handbook gives two scenarios:
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Train coming or warning lights flashing | Get out right away. Move away from the tracks at an angle, toward the direction the train is coming from, so you are clear of flying debris. Then call 911. |
| No train in sight, lights not flashing | Get out. Call the number on the crossing post or the blue Emergency Notification System sign, give the crossing number and say a vehicle is on the tracks. Then call 911. |
Every highway-rail crossing must have that blue sign on each approach, showing the emergency phone number and the USDOT crossing inventory number.
Light rail and streetcars
Light rail crossings use the same devices. California says do not pass light rail or streetcars on the left, except in limited cases such as one-way streets, and to watch for vehicles that may cross the tracks unexpectedly.
Common questions
Can you go around railroad gates if no train is visible?
No. Never drive around or under gates that are lowering, down or rising. Wait until they are fully up and the lights have stopped.
Do I have to stop at every railroad crossing?
Not in a regular car unless signals, gates, a STOP sign or a train require it. You must slow down, look and listen at every crossing.
Why does the school bus stop at railroad tracks?
Buses carrying passengers must stop at railroad crossings. Expect it and leave space behind the bus.
Can I stop on the tracks in heavy traffic?
No. Never stop on the tracks. Wait before the crossing until there is room for your whole vehicle on the other side.
What does a crossbuck with no lights mean?
It is a passive crossing. In most states the crossbuck means yield to trains. Slow down, look both ways and stop if a train is coming.
Is it legal to pass another car near railroad tracks?
California bans passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, and no-passing markings are painted on the approaches. Check your state handbook.
Related: school bus stopping laws, US road signs by shape and color and US pavement markings. All national guides: learning to drive in the USA.
Sources
- Federal Highway Administration, “MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 8: Railroad and Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings (Sections 8B.03, 8B.04, 8B.06, 8B.11, 8B.27, 8C.02)” (mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov)
- Federal Highway Administration, “MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 3: Section 3B.03 No-Passing Zone Pavement Markings” (mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov)
- US Code of Federal Regulations, “49 CFR 392.10: Railroad grade crossings; stopping required” (govinfo.gov)
- California DMV, “California Driver’s Handbook, Sections 6, 7 and 8” (dmv.ca.gov)
- New York DMV, “Driver’s Manual” (dmv.ny.gov)