Railroad Crossing Rules

Know when to stop at railroad crossings, warning signs, and safety rules for trains on the DMV test.

What You Need to Know About Railroad Crossing Rules

Warning Signs

Round yellow signs warn of railroad crossings ahead. X-shaped crossbuck signs mark the actual crossing.

When to Stop

Stop 15-50 feet from tracks when lights flash, gates lower, a train approaches, or a flagman signals.

Looking Both Ways

Look left, right, and left again before crossing. Trains can come from either direction on any track.

Never Stop on Tracks

Only cross if there's room on the other side. Never stop on the tracks for any reason.

DMV Test Tips for Railroad Crossing Rules

  • 1.Trains cannot stop quickly - a freight train needs a mile or more to stop
  • 2.Never race a train to the crossing - you won't win
  • 3.If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out immediately and move away at a 45° angle
  • 4.Watch for a second train after the first one passes

Common Railroad Crossing Rules Questions on DMV Tests

How far from railroad tracks should you stop?

Stop at least 15 feet but no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail.

What does a round yellow sign near a railroad mean?

It's an advance warning sign indicating a railroad crossing ahead. Slow down and prepare to stop.

What should you do if your car stalls on railroad tracks?

Get out immediately and move away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle in the direction the train is coming from.

All Study Topics

Traffic Signs

Master all traffic signs for your DMV test. Learn regulatory, warning, and guide signs with visual examples and practice questions.

Right of Way Rules

Understand who has the right of way in every driving situation. Learn intersection rules, yielding, and priority at stops.

Speed Limits

Know the speed limits for every road type. Learn default limits, school zones, and when to reduce speed for safety.

Parking Rules

Master parking regulations including distances from hydrants, curb colors, parallel parking, and hill parking techniques.

DUI & Alcohol Laws

Understand DUI laws, BAC limits for all drivers, implied consent, and penalties for impaired driving.

Road Markings

Learn what road markings mean - lane lines, edge lines, crosswalks, and special lane markings explained.

Safe Driving Practices

Essential defensive driving techniques, following distance rules, and how to drive safely in all conditions.

Emergency Situations

What to do in emergencies - brake failure, skidding, tire blowouts, and accident procedures explained.

Headlight Usage

When and how to use headlights, high beams, and fog lights. Learn the rules for safe nighttime driving.

Turning & Lane Changes

Master turning techniques, U-turns, lane changes, and signaling requirements for your DMV test.

Highway Driving

Learn highway merging, lane usage, passing rules, and safe interstate driving techniques.

School Zones & Buses

Know the rules for school zones, when to stop for school buses, and how to keep children safe.

Parallel Parking

Master parallel parking for your DMV road test. Step-by-step instructions, common mistakes, and practice tips.

Three-Point Turn

Learn how to execute a perfect 3-point turn (K-turn) for your driving test with detailed instructions.

Blind Spots & Mirrors

Understand blind spots, proper mirror adjustment, and how to safely check before changing lanes.

Merging on Highways

Learn highway merging techniques, acceleration lane usage, and yielding rules for safe lane entry.

Roundabouts

How to navigate roundabouts safely - yielding rules, lane selection, and signaling requirements.

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