A 4-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Railroad signs warn you before you reach the tracks. Pavement markings work like signs painted on the road: yellow lines separate opposite directions, white lines separate lanes going the same way, and solid means don't cross.
Railroad advance warning sign
Know the rule
Round railroad advance warning sign: you're within a few hundred feet of a crossing. Slow down and be prepared to stop. If you see a train coming, STOP; never try to beat a train.
Crossbucks are posted at every railroad grade crossing and show where the tracks are. If more than one track must be crossed, the sign shows the number of tracks. Slow down, look, listen, and be ready to yield to a train.
Emergency Notification System signs show an emergency number and the USDOT National Crossing Inventory Number, which identifies the crossing's exact location.
Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail when a flag person directs you, when red lights flash or bells sound, or when any warning device shows a train is coming.
Two-lane road with two-way traffic: keep right of the yellow center line. You may cross a broken line to pass or when the right half of the road is closed, but not if it's unsafe or the line is solid yellow.
Three-lane one-way roads marked with broken white lines: you may drive in any lane. Before turning, move into the lane closest to your turn well in advance.
On a multi-lane highway (four or more lanes), don't cross the double yellow line to pass, stay in your lane as much as possible, and keep right if you're slower.
White stop lines: where present, stop behind them. White crosswalk lines mark pedestrian crossings; where there's no stop line, stop before the crosswalk when signs, signals, or pedestrians require it.
Solid white lines mark edges, shoulders, channelizing, transitions and lane use; avoid crossing them if possible. Crossing double solid white lines is prohibited.
On a two-lane road, the center line on your side turns solid yellow as you near a hill. That's a no-passing zone. Even if the oncoming lane looks clear, stay behind the slow car until the line on your side is broken again.
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 does a railroad crossbuck sign with two crossed bars, marked with a number, indicate?
The speed limit at the crossing
The distance to the next town
The height clearance of the crossing
The number of tracks to cross
Answer: The number of tracks to cross
If more than one track is present, the crossbuck sign shows the number of tracks.
