A 4-minute lesson from the New Jersey course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Signs, signals and traffic rules tell you when to stop. The most serious stops are for trains and school buses, where the law sets exact distances. Learn the full list of places you must stop.
Know the rule
Most crashes at traffic signals happen in the first few seconds after the light changes, so proceed carefully on a new green.
When yellow follows green, stop before the intersection unless you are too close to stop safely. If the light changes while you're in the intersection, go through with caution.
Never cross until the gates are raised, the bells have stopped and the red lights have stopped flashing. Most trains need more than a mile to stop at 60 mph or more.
School buses, buses and vehicles carrying hazardous materials must always stop at railroad crossings; be ready to stop behind them even if no train is signaled.
Never stop on railroad tracks; be sure there is room on the other side. If warning devices activate while you're on the tracks, keep going to the other side.
Yellow (amber) lights come on before the bus stops; red lights when it has stopped. Behind a bus, don't rely on the lights. Go only after the signals are off, and watch for children.
Stop at least 25 feet from a school bus with red lights flashing
Put it into practice
On a four-lane road with only painted lines between directions, a school bus coming toward you stops with red lights flashing. You must stop at least 25 feet away too. Only a raised median or safety island would let you pass at 10 mph.
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.
How far from a railroad crossing must a motorist stop when there are flashing red lights, ringing bells, or lowered gates?
At least 50 feet
At least 5 feet
At least 15 feet
At least 100 feet
Answer: At least 15 feet
A motorist must stop at least 15 feet from a railroad crossing when warning devices are active.
