A 3-minute lesson from the Colorado course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A train can come at any time, day or night, and it can't stop for you. The average freight train at 55 mph needs about a mile to stop. Trains also look slower than they are, so judge their speed and distance carefully.
Know the rule
Obey all warning devices, lights, gates and signs. At a crossing without flashing lights or gates, stop before it if necessary to check for trains.
Never stop on the tracks; it's illegal and very dangerous. Don't drive on until the tracks are clear and there's room to clear a train on the other side, especially with multiple tracks.
If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get everyone out and move far away, even if no train is visible. Call the number on the blue ENS sign or local law enforcement.
Pavement markings may include "R X R" and a stop line. Stay behind the line; if there's none, stay at least 10 feet from the tracks. Trains overhang the tracks by 3 feet.
Treat a crossbuck like a yield sign. A sign below it shows the number of tracks if there's more than one. Crossbucks become regulatory when a train approaches.
Always stop when crossing lights flash, and wait until they stop. With gates, don't cross until they're raised and the lights stop; while down, the road is closed.
You're waiting at a crossing with no painted stop line while a train passes. Stay at least 10 feet from the nearest rail; the train overhangs the tracks by 3 feet. Once it passes, check for a second train before crossing.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
If there is no stop line at a railroad crossing, how far back must you stay from the tracks?
At least 10 feet
At least 50 feet
At least 3 feet
At least 25 feet
Answer: At least 10 feet
If no stop line is visible, you must stay at least 10 feet from the tracks while waiting.
