What does it mean when warning lights are not flashing at a railroad crossing?

If there isn't a stop line the driver must stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the closest rail. A passive crossing is one that does not have flashing lights or automatic gates. The crossbuck sign, the white X sign, is a regulatory sign that means Yield.



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If there are no signals at the railroad crossing, you should slow down and prepare to stop if you see or hear a train approaching. Proceed with caution only after all signals are completed and then only when there is evidence no trains are approaching the crossing.

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Active Grade Crossings have active warning and control devices such as bells, flashing lights, and gates, in addition to passive warning devices such as crossbucks (the familiar x-shaped signs that mean yield to the train), yield or stop signs and pavement markings.

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A passive crossing is one that does not have flashing lights or automatic gates. The crossbuck sign, the white X sign, is a regulatory sign that means Yield. Crossbuck signs are required at all public railroad crossings. The railroad companies install and maintain crossbuck signs.

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It is illegal and dangerous to go around lowered gates or to cross while the lights are still flashing. Some grade crossings do not have gates or flashing lights. When approaching unmarked, or passive, grade crossings, slow down and be prepared to stop. Before you cross, be sure that a train is not coming.

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In most cases, a rail crossing failure results in the gates being down with no train in sight. Gates failing in the down position is actually a safety design. Other types of crossing issues, such as the failure of a gate to activate for a train, are rare but should definitely be reported to 911 immediately.

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Railroad signals are categorized into two levels: Permissive and Absolute. Both serve a specific function of either protection or control.

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What Vehicles Must Stop At Railway Crossings?
  • School Buses. A school bus must stop if the driver sees a red light or hears an audible bell at all railroad crossings, regardless of whether crossbucks mark the crossing or not. ...
  • Commercial Motor Vehicles Transporting Passengers. ...
  • Vehicles Carrying Flammable Materials.


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A low-voltage electric current is sent between the two rails via a series of relays like the ones in this photo. When a train approaches, the current runs through the train's metal wheels and axles instead of the relays. This short circuit activates the crossing signal.

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