Railroad crossing signs and rules

Key points

1. Never try to beat a train, do not stop on the tracks, and do not cross without room on the other side.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “Never try to beat a train across the tracks. Do not stop on the tracks. Do not cross the tracks if there is not room on the other side.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 30

2. Do not shift gears while crossing, and look both ways even if the signs are not flashing.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “not shift gears while crossing the railroad tracks. Before you cross railroad tracks make sure to look both ways, even if the railroad signs are not flashing.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 30

3. When the lights flash, wait until they stop and the track is clear.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “Wait until the lights stop flashing and the track is clear to continue.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 30

4. The round yellow sign with an X warns of a railroad crossing ahead.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “Railroad Crossing Warning This sign is round with a yellow background. It has an "X" symbol with black lettering.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 30

5. With a yield sign under the crossbuck, you must yield to crossing trains.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “There is a Yield sign posted below this. You must yield to trains that are crossing.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 30

6. A blue sign at every crossing gives a phone number to report problems, such as a stuck vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “This sign is at every highway-railroad crossing. It shows a phone number to report unsafe conditions.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 31

7. Not every crossing with more than one track posts a sign, so check for more tracks.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “Not all crossings with more than one train track will have these signs. It is important to check for more than one track before crossing.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 31

8. Never drive around a gate or under a gate that is going up or down.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “Do not drive around the gate or under a raising or lowering gate.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 31

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Wisconsin practice test

1. 1. At a railroad crossing, what does the handbook require when a Yield sign is posted below the crossbuck?

   
   1. Cross quickly before a train reaches the nearest track
   2. Yield to trains that are crossing
   3. Stop only when the crossing lights are dark
   4. Continue because a crossbuck gives your vehicle priority
   Show answer

   Yield to trains that are crossing. A Yield sign beneath the railroad crossbuck means an approaching train has priority at the crossing. The choice “Yield to trains that are crossing” captures the handbook rule directly. The choice “Cross quickly before a train reaches the nearest track” is dangerous because the handbook warns drivers never to try to beat a train. The choice “Stop only when the crossing lights are dark” reverses the safety condition: a dark signal does not remove the duty to look both ways. The choice “Continue because a crossbuck gives your vehicle priority” treats the crossbuck as permission to proceed, when its purpose is to identify the crossing and, with the posted Yield sign, require yielding. Scan both directions before entering the tracks.

2. 2. Which action is prohibited when crossing railroad tracks?

   1. Waiting for a clear path on the other side
   2. Looking both ways before crossing
   3. Stopping on the tracks
   4. Checking for a train even when warning signs are dark
   Show answer

   Stopping on the tracks. Never stop on railroad tracks. A stopped vehicle can be trapped in the path of a train, and the handbook also warns drivers not to enter unless there is room on the other side. Looking both ways remains necessary even when the warning signs are not flashing. Waiting for a clear exit is a safety step, not a delay to skip. Before crossing, make sure the vehicle can clear the tracks completely and avoid shifting gears while on them.

3. 3. What must you do before crossing railroad tracks when warning lights are active?

   1. Wait until the lights stop flashing and the track is clear
   2. Drive around the gate if no train is visible
   3. Stop on the tracks to check the second rail
   4. Shift gears while crossing to gain speed
   Show answer

   Wait until the lights stop flashing and the track is clear. Active railroad warning lights mean you must wait until the lights stop flashing and the track is clear. Never drive around a gate, stop on the tracks, or shift gears while crossing. A train can be closer and faster than it appears, and a second track may hide another train. Before moving, look both ways and make sure there is enough room beyond the crossing for your entire vehicle.

Source: the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Section 4: Signs. 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.