A 4-minute lesson from the Mississippi course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A train can't stop or swerve for you, so crossings are marked in layers: an advance warning sign and pavement markings, then crossbucks, lights and gates at the tracks. Know what each one means and exactly where to stop.
Pavement markings: a large X and two R's
Know the rule
Before a crossing, the pavement is marked with a large X and two R's. A solid yellow line prevents passing on the approach, and a white line is painted on each side of the track.
ALWAYS STOP when crossing lights begin to flash: a train is coming. At gates, stop when the lights flash, before the gates lower across your side, and stay stopped until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing.
You MUST stop even if you don't see a train, and stay stopped until all tracks are clear, any gates are raised and the lights no longer flash. Driving around lowered gates is against the law.
The crossing lights start flashing as you approach, but the gate is still up and you see no train. Stop within 50 to 10 feet of the outer rail anyway, and wait until the lights stop flashing and all 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.
In rural areas, how far in front of the tracks is the round yellow railroad crossing warning sign normally posted?
1,000 to 1,500 feet
50 to 100 feet
100 to 200 feet
500 to 900 feet
Answer: 500 to 900 feet
The round yellow crossbuck warning sign is normally posted 500 to 900 feet before the tracks in rural areas.
