Rules of the road
Lesson 2 · Turns and crossings

What do you do at a railroad crossing with flashing lights?

Short answer

Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail and wait. Never drive around a lowered gate. Go only when the train has passed, the lights stop and the gate is up.

Watch it play out

How to do it

  1. Slow down when you see the round yellow warning sign or RXR on the road.
  2. Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail when lights flash or the gate is down.
  3. Wait for the gate to rise fully and the lights to stop. A second train may follow.
  4. Cross only if there is room for your whole car on the other side.

Why the rule works this way

Trains cannot stop quickly. A freight train can need a mile or more to stop, so the crossing is always yours to clear, never theirs.

Common mistakes

  • Driving around a gate. It is illegal and deadly.
  • Stopping on the tracks in traffic. Wait until there is space past the tracks.
In VirginiaWhen you must stop, stop within 50 feet but no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail. See all Virginia rules

Questions people ask

What if my car stalls on the tracks?

Get everyone out right away and move away from the tracks, toward the train, at an angle. Then call the number on the blue sign at the crossing.