Railroad Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign
Railroad tracks cross the road at this location
In short: The white X-shaped crossbuck sign marks the exact spot where railroad tracks cross the road, and it functions as a yield sign to trains. Look both ways, and stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail whenever a train is approaching or lights are flashing.
What to do
Look both ways for trains. Stop if train is approaching or lights are flashing.
Tips
Stop 15-50 feet from nearest track. Never stop on tracks. Never race a train.
Test yourself
You see this sign while driving. What do you have to do?
Show the answer
Look both ways for trains. Stop if train is approaching or lights are flashing.
Common mistake
Not stopping when lights flash or trying to beat train
How to recognize this sign
Also searched as crossbuck sign, railroad crossing sign, RXR sign, or train crossing sign.
Do not confuse it: The round yellow advance sign warns tracks are ahead; the crossbuck stands at the tracks themselves and carries the yield obligation.
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 railroad crossing has only the sign shown — no gates or lights. You should:
- A. Proceed without slowing since there are no lights
- B. Speed up to clear the tracks
- C. Stop only if you hear a horn
- D. Slow down, look and listen both ways, and be ready to stop
Show answer
D. Slow down, look and listen both ways, and be ready to stop — A crossbuck marks a crossing with the right of way to trains; slow down, look and listen, and yield before crossing.
Universal rule · checked against MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 8 — Railroad and Light Rail Grade Crossings — Railroad Crossings · verified 2026-08-01
This sign at a railroad crossing tells you to:
- A. Yield only when lights flash
- B. Slow down without checking for trains
- C. Yield and stop if a train is approaching
- D. Proceed because the crossing is automatic
Show answer
C. Yield and stop if a train is approaching — The railroad crossbuck (X-shaped sign) marks an active railroad crossing. You must slow down, look and listen for trains, and stop if one is approaching.
Universal rule · checked against MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 8 — Railroad and Light Rail Grade Crossings — Railroad Crossings · verified 2026-08-01
Frequently asked questions
What does the Railroad Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign mean?
Railroad tracks cross the road at this location
What should you do at a Railroad Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign?
Look both ways for trains. Stop if train is approaching or lights are flashing.
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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