Advance Warning Signs
The Advanced Warning sign is usually the first sign you see when approaching a highway-rail intersection. It is located a sufficient distance ahead to allow a driver to stop before reaching the crossing.

The Advance Warning sign advises you to slow down, look and listen for the train, and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching.

Pavement Markings
Pavement Markings, consisting of an R X R followed by a Stop Line closer to the tracks, may be painted on the paved approach to a crossing. Stay behind the Stop Line while waiting for a train to pass.

Crossbuck Signs
Crossbuck signs are found at highway-rail intersections. They are yield signs. You are legally required to yield the right of way to trains. Slow down, look and listen for the train, and stop if a train approaches.

When the road crosses over more than one set of tracks, a sign below the Crossbuck indicates the number of tracks.

Flashing Red Light Signals
At many highway-rail grade crossings, the Crossbuck sign has flashing red lights and bells. When the lights begin to flash, stop! A train is approaching. You are legally required to yield the right of way to the train. If there is more than one track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing.

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. Remain stopped until the gates go up and the lights have stopped flashing. Proceed when it is safe.

Motorcycles
In addition to following all other guidelines in this website, motorcyclists should approach all highway-rail intersections VERY slowly. Be alert to the possibility of a rough crossing. Always cross the tracks at as nearly a 90 degree angle as possible.

Schoolbuses & Commercial Buses
In most states, school buses and commercial buses are required to stop at every highway-rail grade crossing. The driver must look and listen for trains approaching from either direction, and cross only when it is safe to do so.

Trucks Carrying Hazardous Materials
Federal regulations and the laws of most states require trucks carrying hazardous materials to stop at all highway-rail grade crossings. Stop gradually to avoid being rear-ended. Never change gears while crossing the tracks.

Wherever possible, use roads where railroad crossings are equipped with flashing red lights or gates.

Freight trains do not travel on a predictable schedule; schedules for passenger trains change. Always expect a train at every highway-rail intersection.

Do not get trapped on a highway-rail crossing. Never drive onto a railroad crossing until you are sure you can clear the tracks on the other side without stopping.

If the gates are down, the road is closed. Stop and wait until the gates go up and the red lights stop flashing.

When you are at a multiple-track crossing and the last car of the closest train passes by, stay alert. Before crossing, look and listen carefully for another train on another track, coming from either direction.

If your vehicle stalls at the highway-rail intersection, get everyone out and far away from the tracks immediately. Then, call 911 to report the emergency situation.

Racing a train to a highway-rail intersection is a fool's game. If you lose, you may never have a second chance.