Railroad crossings, expressways, night and bad weather

Key points

1. When a crossing shows flashing red lights, a lowered gate or a bell, stop at least 15 feet from the tracks.

   Source: Chapter 10

   “Flashing red lights, lowered crossing gates and/or a bell at a railroad crossing indicate that you must stop, at least 15 feet (5 m) from the tracks.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10

2. Never cross railroad tracks unless there is room for your whole vehicle on the other side.

   Source: Chapter 10

   “You cannot go across any railroad tracks unless there is room for your vehicle on the other side.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10

3. If you stall on the tracks and a train is coming, get out and run toward the train but away from the tracks at a 45 degree angle.

   Source: Chapter 10

   “If a train is approaching, run toward the train but away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10

4. The expressway speed limit is normally 55 mph, but it can be posted at 65 mph in some rural areas.

   Source: Chapter 10

   “The speed limit is normally 55 mph (88 km/h), but can be posted at 65 mph (105 km/h) in some rural areas.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10

5. If you enter going the wrong direction or miss your exit, stay on the expressway until the next exit.

   Source: Chapter 10

   “If you enter an expressway going a different direction than you intended, or at the wrong exit, stay on the expressway until the next exit.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10

6. Signal your exit at least 100 feet before you reach the exit ramp.

   Source: Chapter 10

   “Make sure to signal your exit at least 100 feet (30 m) before you reach the exit ramp.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10

7. Your headlights reach about 350 feet, so at night drive at a speed that lets you stop within that distance.

   Source: Chapter 10

   “Your headlights cover about 350 feet ahead. It is important that you drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within that distance.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10

8. Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, when visibility is under 1,000 feet, and when wipers are clearing rain, snow or sleet.

   Source: Chapter 10

   “The law requires you to use your headlights from one-half hour after the sun sets to one-half hour before the sun rises, when visibility is less than 1,000 feet (300 m) and when you use your windshield wipers to clear rain, snow or sleet.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10

9. Use low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet of a vehicle ahead of you.

   Source: Chapter 10

   “Your headlights must be on low beam when you are within 500 feet (150 m) of an oncoming vehicle or within 200 feet (60 m) of a vehicle ahead of you”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10

10. On wet or slippery roads, reduce your speed and increase your following distance.

    Source: Chapter 10

    “Reduced speed and increased following distance improve your safety under these conditions”
    New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10

Numbers to know

3 questions from the New York practice test

1. 1. Flashing red lights and a lowered gate are active at a railroad crossing. How far back must you stop?

   1. At least 30 feet from the tracks
   2. At least 3 feet from the tracks
   3. At least 15 feet from the tracks
   4. With the front bumper over the first rail
   Show answer

   At least 15 feet from the tracks. Flashing red lights, a lowered gate, or a bell at a railroad crossing requires stopping at least 15 feet from the tracks. Three feet is too close, while 30 feet is not the minimum stated here. Extending the bumper over a rail puts the vehicle in the crossing area. Stop before the marked line when one exists, keep clear of the rails, and wait until the signals stop and the gates are completely raised before moving.

2. 2. When must a New York driver turn on headlights because the windshield wipers are being used?

   1. Never, because wipers replace the need for lights
   2. Only after midnight, regardless of weather
   3. Only when driving on an expressway with no streetlights
   4. When using the wipers to clear rain, snow, or sleet
   Show answer

   When using the wipers to clear rain, snow, or sleet. New York requires headlights when the windshield wipers are being used to clear rain, snow, or sleet. The rule is tied to weather and visibility, not to midnight, expressway status, or the presence of streetlights. Wipers improve the driver's view but do not make the vehicle as visible to other road users, so they are not a substitute for headlights. The simple cue is wipers on for precipitation: turn on the headlights as well and avoid relying on daytime running lights alone.

3. 3. On a wet New York road, what adjustment does the manual recommend for following distance?

   1. Increase the gap behind the vehicle ahead
   2. Follow more closely so spray cannot enter the lane
   3. Keep the ordinary gap because wet pavement changes nothing
   4. Use the shoulder to create a second following lane
   Show answer

   Increase the gap behind the vehicle ahead. New York advises increased following distance when rain, snow, or ice makes the road slippery. More space gives the driver additional time to perceive a slowing vehicle and brake without abrupt control inputs. Keeping the usual gap ignores the reduced traction, and following closely makes spray and sudden stops harder to manage. The shoulder is not a substitute travel lane. A useful cue is to pair lower speed with a visibly larger cushion whenever weather reduces grip or visibility.

Source: the New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions. 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.