Railroad Crossing Ahead Sign
Railroad crossing is ahead, prepare to stop if needed
What to do
Slow down and prepare for railroad crossing.
Tips
Never stop on railroad tracks.
Test yourself
You see this sign while driving. What do you have to do?
Show the answer
Slow down and prepare for railroad crossing.
Common mistake
Not being prepared to stop
About warning signs
Warning signs are diamond-shaped and yellow with black symbols. They alert you to hazards ahead — curves, intersections, crossings — so you have time to slow down. On the DMV written test, expect several questions asking what a specific warning sign means and what action it calls for.
Practice questions about this sign
This round yellow sign warns that:
- A. A railroad crossing is ahead
- B. A low bridge is ahead
- C. A gas station is ahead
- D. The road merges with a highway ahead
Show answer
A. A railroad crossing is ahead — This is the advance warning sign for a railroad crossing, placed before the crossing itself to give drivers time to slow down and prepare to stop if a train is coming.
Universal rule · checked against MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 2 — Signs (General) — Traffic Signs — General · verified 2026-08-01
Frequently asked questions
What does the Railroad Crossing Ahead Sign mean?
Railroad crossing is ahead, prepare to stop if needed
What should you do at a Railroad Crossing Ahead Sign?
Slow down and prepare for railroad crossing.
Reference standard: Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices ↗. State and local agencies may add rules or operating times, so follow the complete posted sign where you drive. How DMV Prep sources content.
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