Railroad crossings

By the end of this topic you can

• You can recognize advance warning signs, crossbucks, flashing lights and gates.
• You can stop at a safe distance from the nearest rail when a train is coming.
• You can cross only when there is room for your whole vehicle on the far side.
• You can act quickly and safely if your vehicle is stuck on the tracks.

What you need to know and understand

• A round yellow sign with an X and two R letters warns that a crossing is ahead.
• The white X-shaped crossbuck sign marks the crossing itself and means yield to trains.
• Flashing red lights mean stop. Wait until they stop flashing, even if a gate has gone up.
• Never drive around or under a lowered or lowering gate.
• When signals or a flagger warn of a train, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail (the figure in both the California and New York manuals). Check your state manual.
• Never stop on the tracks. Do not start across unless there is room for your vehicle on the other side.
• An Emergency Notification System sign posted at the crossing gives a phone number and the crossing ID number to report a problem.

Reading the crossing

As you approach, slow down, turn down the radio, and look and listen in both directions. Some crossings have only signs, while others have flashing lights, bells and gates. A crossing without signals relies completely on you to check.

After one train passes, do not go straight away. Another train may be coming on a second track, often from the other direction and hidden by the first. Wait until the lights stop and you can see clearly both ways.

California's handbook sets a 15 mph limit within 100 feet of a crossing when you cannot see 400 feet down the track in both directions, unless gates, signals or a flagger control the crossing. Other states have their own rules.

If you get stuck on the tracks

1. If a train is coming, get everyone out of the vehicle immediately. Do not try to save the car.
2. Move away quickly, heading toward the train and away from the tracks at an angle. This keeps you clear of flying debris when the train hits the car.
3. Call 911 if anyone is in danger.
4. If no train is in sight, get everyone out and away first, then call the number on the Emergency Notification System sign and give the crossing ID so the railroad can warn trains.
5. Do not go back to the vehicle until the railroad or police say it is safe.

Stopping and crossing: do and don't

• Do stop behind the stop line or at a safe distance from the rail when signals are active.
• Do expect school buses and some trucks to stop at every crossing, and leave room behind them.
• Don't change gears while crossing in a manual car, in case you stall.
• Don't stop in traffic on the tracks: wait before the crossing until there is space ahead.
• Don't try to beat a train: they are bigger and faster than they look.

Common mistakes

• Following traffic onto the tracks without room on the far side: wait before the crossing.
• Going as soon as one train passes: check for a second train.
• Driving around lowered gates: always wait until gates lift and lights stop.
• Staying in a stalled car to try to restart it: get out first.
• Stopping too close to the rails: trains overhang the track.

Test yourself: Railroad crossings

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

Go deeper

• Railroad Crossing Rules in the US