Railroad crossings and light rail

Key points

1. Never stop on the tracks. It is illegal and very dangerous.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “Never stop on the tracks. Stopping on the tracks is illegal and very dangerous.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 21

2. If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get everyone out and move far away, even if no train is visible.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get everyone out and immediately move as far away as possible, even if you do not see a train approaching.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 21

3. Blue Emergency Notification System signs at every crossing give a phone number to report problems or emergencies.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “All public highway-rail grade crossings have BLUE colored Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs that provide a 24/7/365 telephone number to call for reporting problems or emergencies at railroad crossing locations.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 21

4. An average freight train at 55 mph needs about one mile to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “The average freight train traveling at 55 mph requires about one mile to stop.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 21

5. The round advance warning sign means a railroad crossing is ahead. It is the only round traffic sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “A railroad crossing is ahead. The warning sign is at a sufficient distance to allow you to stop (if necessary) before reaching the crossing. It is the only round traffic sign.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 21

6. With no stop line, stay at least 10 feet from the tracks. Trains overhang the tracks by 3 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “If no line is visible, you must be at least 10 feet from the tracks. Trains overhang the tracks by 3 feet.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 21

7. Treat crossbuck signs the same as a yield sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “Crossbuck signs: These signs should be treated the same as a yield sign.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 21

8. Do not cross until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. While gates are down, the road is closed.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “Do not cross until the gates are raised and the lights have stopped flashing. While the gates are down, the road is closed.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 21

9. Each light rail car weighs up to 40 tons and cannot stop quickly.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “Each light rail car weighs up to 40 tons and can't stop quickly.”
   Colorado Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 21

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Colorado practice test

1. 1. How should a driver treat a railroad crossbuck sign?

   
   1. As a warning that U-turns are required
   2. The same as a green traffic signal
   3. As permission to stop on the tracks
   4. The same as a yield sign
   Show answer

   The same as a yield sign. Colorado says a railroad crossbuck should be treated the same as a yield sign. Slow down, look and listen for a train, and enter only when the crossing is safe. A crossbuck does not give permission to stop on the rails, and it is not equivalent to a green signal. If another sign below it lists more than one track, continue checking because a second train may be approaching. The U-turn option invents a maneuver that the railroad sign never commands. Leave enough room beyond the tracks to clear them completely.

2. 2. What does a round railroad advance warning sign indicate?

   
   1. A roundabout requires a left turn
   2. A bicycle lane begins immediately
   3. A railroad crossing is ahead
   4. A school entrance is ahead
   Show answer

   A railroad crossing is ahead. The round railroad advance warning sign tells the driver that a railroad crossing is ahead. It is placed far enough away to allow a driver to stop before reaching the tracks if necessary. The circular shape does not make it a roundabout sign, and it does not identify a bicycle lane or school entrance. Begin reducing speed and scanning before reaching the crossing. Never drive onto the rails unless there is enough room on the opposite side for the entire vehicle to clear the tracks.

3. 3. What is the purpose of a blue railroad Emergency Notification System sign?

   1. To report crossing problems or emergencies by telephone
   2. To show that trains never use horns at that crossing
   3. To mark a county highway route number
   4. To give the legal speed limit near the tracks
   Show answer

   To report crossing problems or emergencies by telephone. The blue ENS sign is for reporting a railroad crossing emergency or problem, using the phone number posted at that location. It is not the same as a quiet-zone notice, which concerns train horns. When a vehicle is stuck, gates malfunction, or another hazard blocks a crossing, the sign gives the contact point needed to alert the railroad quickly. Keep the posted number visible when calling.

Source: the Colorado Driver Handbook, Railroad Crossing and Light Rail. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.