School Buses and Railroad Crossings

Key points

1. Once stopped for a school bus, stay stopped until it moves, the driver waves you on, or the red lights go off.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “the bus has started moving, OR ▶ the driver motions for you to proceed, OR ▶ the red flashing lights go off and/or the sign is pulled back.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 30

2. Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights means mandatory revocation for 1 year.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “It is mandatory revocation of driver license for one year for failing to stop for a school bus with red loading/unloading lights flashing.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 30

3. At a crossing, stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail when a train is coming.

   Source: Handbook p. 56

   “the driver of such vehicle shall stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of such railroad”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 56

4. Stop when a train is plainly visible and in hazardous proximity to the crossing.

   Source: Handbook p. 56

   “An approaching train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 56

5. A train at 55 mph takes a mile or more to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 55

   “A train traveling at 55 mph takes a mile or more to stop.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 55

6. If stuck and the lights start flashing, you may have only 20 seconds to get out.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “you may only have 20 seconds to escape before the train makes it to your location.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 57

7. Run away at a 45 degree angle in the direction the train is coming from, then call 911.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “Once outside, run at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks in the direction that the train is coming, as shown in the picture to the right, then immediately dial 911”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 57

8. If stuck with no warning lights active, get out and call 911 and the ENS number on the crossing post.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “get out of your vehicle and immediately dial 911 and the ENS (Emergency Notification System) number”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 57

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Oklahoma practice test

1. 1. When a school bus has flashing red lights or displays its red STOP sign, when may approaching drivers proceed?

   1. After the bus moves, the driver signals them, or the red warnings end
   2. As soon as the driver sees no children in the nearest lane
   3. After waiting ten seconds, whether the bus remains stopped or not
   4. When the approaching vehicle reaches the bus's rear bumper
   Show answer

   After the bus moves, the driver signals them, or the red warnings end. A bus showing flashing red lights or a red STOP sign is loading or unloading children, so the approaching driver must stop and remain stopped. Movement may resume only after the bus starts moving, the bus driver motions the vehicle forward, or the red lights stop and the sign is pulled back. Looking for children is not a substitute for the bus signals, and a timer or bumper position creates no permission. The cue is the bus’s red warning display, which remains controlling until one of those events occurs.

2. 2. Which situation is listed as a reason to stop at a highway rail crossing?

   1. An approaching train is plainly visible and dangerously close to the crossing
   2. A crossing has a crossbuck sign but no train is visible
   3. The road is empty and the crossing has no gate
   4. A driver wants to stop on the tracks to look for a train
   Show answer

   An approaching train is plainly visible and dangerously close to the crossing. The manual lists an approaching train that is plainly visible and in hazardous proximity as a reason the driver must not proceed through the crossing. A crossbuck requires caution and preparation, but its presence alone does not mean a train is approaching. An ungated or empty crossing still demands careful checking, and stopping on the rails creates a serious hazard. Slow before the tracks, look and listen in both directions, remain off the rails, and wait whenever the train is close enough to threaten the crossing.

3. 3. If your vehicle is stuck on railroad tracks and warning lights have not activated, what should you do first?

   1. Get out and immediately dial 911 and the ENS number
   2. Stay inside and wait for a crossing worker
   3. Drive forward even if the path is blocked
   4. Call a friend before leaving the vehicle
   Show answer

   Get out and immediately dial 911 and the ENS number. A vehicle on the tracks is an immediate danger even when the crossing lights are still dark. Leave the vehicle and call 911 plus the Emergency Notification System number posted at the crossing. Give the crossing location, number if posted, and intersecting road, and say that a vehicle is on the tracks. Waiting inside leaves occupants exposed to a train, and calling a friend delays an emergency report. Driving forward is not a safe first step when the route may be blocked. The cue is the blue and white ENS sign near the rails or control box.

Source: the Oklahoma Driver Manual, Chapters 4, 5 and 10: School Buses and Trains. 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.