District of Columbia driving lesson · Signs, Signals & Pavement Markings
Railroad crossings & lane-use signals
A 3-minute lesson from the District of Columbia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Trains can't stop quickly and always move faster than they look. Reversible lanes use their own signals over each lane. Both rules are simple, and both are on the test.
Know the rule
Flashing red signals at a railroad crossing, which may come with bells, warn that a train is coming. Stop and wait for it to pass, then check that no other train is approaching on another track.
At a crossing with no warning system (no flashing lights or gates), slow down, look and listen for a train, and stop before the tracks if one is coming.
No passing when crossing or within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, and no parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail except briefly to load or unload.
A crossing's lights flash and the bell rings. A freight train passes and the lights keep flashing. Stay stopped: a second train may be coming on another track. Go only when the lights stop and the tracks are clear.
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.
What do markings of a white 'X' with the letters 'RR' on the pavement indicate?
A restricted parking zone
A reserved bus lane
You're nearing railroad tracks
A pedestrian refuge island
Answer: You're nearing railroad tracks
The white 'X' and 'RR' pavement markings warn that you're approaching railroad tracks.
