Railroad Crossing Signs & Signals

Offical Flordia Handbook study guide.

What to do when you approach a highway-railroad crossing?

When approaching a highway-railroad crossing, slow down and be ready to stop. Do not stop on the railroad tracks or within 15 feet of the crossing.

When must a person crossing a highway- railroad crossing stop?

Any driver, bicyclist or pedestrian approaching a railroad-highway

crossing must stop if:

•  the warning devices are flashing;

• the crossing gate is lowered;

•  a human flagger is warning of an approaching train; and/or

•  an approaching train is clearly visible.

Advance Warning Sign:

This is usually the first sign you see when approaching a highway-railroad crossing.

Crossbuck Sign:

These are yield signs; you must yield the right-of-way to trains. A sign below the crossbuck will show the number of tracks if there is more than one track.

Flashing Red Light Signals:

At many crossings, the crossbuck sign has flashing red lights and bells. When the lights begin to flash, stop immediately! A train is approaching.

Gates:

Many crossings have gates with flashing red lights and bells. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers across your road lane. It's against the law to drive around or under a crossing gate—either down or while being opened or closed.

Pavement Marking:

Markings may be painted on the paved approach to a crossing before the stop line.

Dynamic Envelope:

White roadway markings in the shape of connecting X’s used to visually highlight the danger zone where road users should not stop. These markings indicate the clearance needed for trains to safely pass, as any object within the dynamic envelope has the potential to be struck when the train passes through.

Remeber to:

•  Slow down when approaching railroad crossings. 

•  Be prepared to stop especially when following buses or trucks; many are required to stop at railroad crossings even when gates are up/lights are not flashing. 

•  If there is more than one track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing. 

•  In heavy traffic, make sure there is room for your vehicle on the other side of the track before crossing. 

•  Trains are often traveling faster than they appear and they cannot stop quickly. Don’t try to “beat the train;” the train always wins. 

Rail Road sign:

Gates and railroad signs.