4.4 Highway-Railroad Grade Crossings
Key Takeaways
Buses, school buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials must stop before every railroad crossing, so expect them to stop.
If gates are down or lights are flashing, the road is closed; stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail.
Never drive through, around or under a lowered or moving crossing gate.
After a train passes, look both ways before crossing, because another train may be coming on another track.
If your vehicle stalls on or near the tracks, get out, move away, and report it using the blue and white Emergency Notification System sign.
Why Railroad Crossings Are Different
The manual's starting point: trains cannot stop quickly. A heavy freight train can need a mile or more to stop, and it cannot swerve. Trains can come from either direction at any time, and they may be closer and moving faster than they appear. Every crossing deserves extra caution.
Warning Devices You Will See
| Device | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Round yellow advance warning sign | A railroad crossing is ahead; slow down, look and listen |
| "RxR" pavement marking | Painted on the approach to warn of the crossing |
| Crossbuck (white X) | Marks the crossing itself; yield to trains |
| Flashing red lights | A train is approaching or passing; stop even if you see no train |
| Gates | The road is temporarily closed while they are down or moving |
| Railroad before T-intersection sign | Tracks come just before a T-junction; plan for both |
When You Must Stop
Maryland law (Transportation Article § 21-701) requires you to stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail, and to proceed only when it is safe, whenever:
- A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal warns that a train is approaching or passing.
- A crossing gate is lowered.
- A flagger signals that a train is approaching or passing.
- A train within 1,500 feet sounds an audible signal and, because of its speed or nearness, is an immediate danger.
- A train is plainly visible and is in, or dangerously near, the crossing.
The manual puts it simply: the road is temporarily closed if gates are down or warning lights are flashing. Stop and wait until the gates go up and the lights stop flashing. State law also forbids driving through, around or under any crossing gate while it is closed, opening or closing.
Some especially dangerous crossings have a stop sign. Stop within the same 15-to-50-foot zone, then proceed with care.
Vehicles That Always Stop
The manual reminds you that buses, school buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials must stop before every railroad crossing, even when no train is coming. Do not tailgate these vehicles near tracks, and do not try to pass them as they slow down.
Crossing Safely
- Slow down and look both ways. Listen for horns and bells; turn the radio down.
- Never start across unless you can get completely over before a train comes. Make sure there is room on the other side for your whole vehicle. Traffic backed up past the tracks can trap you on the rails.
- After a train passes, look both ways before starting across. Another train may be coming on another track.
- Do not shift gears or stop on the tracks. Keep moving once you start across.
- Do not pass other vehicles within 100 feet of a railroad crossing (see Section 3.4), and reduce your speed when approaching any crossing, as Maryland's basic speed law requires.
If You Stall or Have an Emergency
The manual's rule: if you have an emergency on or near a railroad crossing, get out of the vehicle and move away from the tracks.
- Get everyone out immediately. A car can be replaced; people cannot.
- If a train is coming, move away from the tracks toward the train, at an angle, so you are not hit by flying debris when it strikes the vehicle.
- Report the emergency using the phone number on the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign posted at the crossing. The sign also shows a crossing ID number. Calling lets the railroad warn trains approaching that crossing. Then call 911.
You can also use the ENS sign to report safety problems, such as a gate that stays down when no train is coming or a signal that is not working.
Points and Penalties
Maryland treats crossing violations seriously. Driving around a lowered gate is illegal under § 21-701(b), and any moving violation that contributes to a crash carries 3 points. Parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail is also prohibited (see Section 3.6).
Scenario Practice
- Gates start to lower as you approach. Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail. Do not try to beat the gate.
- A freight train clears the crossing, the gates rise, and you have two tracks to cross. Look both ways for a second train before moving.
- Traffic ahead is stopped just beyond the tracks. Wait before the crossing until there is room for your whole car on the far side.
- Your car stalls on the tracks. Get everyone out, move away from the tracks, and call the number on the blue ENS sign.
Under Maryland law, where must you stop when a crossing gate is lowered at a railroad crossing?
Within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail
Directly on the near rail so you can see down the tracks
At least 100 feet from the gate
Anywhere, as long as you stop before the crossbuck
A freight train has just passed and the gates are rising at a crossing with two sets of tracks. What should you do before crossing?
Cross immediately, before the gates fully rise, to clear the tracks quickly
Look both ways, because another train may be coming on another track
Honk twice and then cross
Follow the car ahead as closely as possible
Which vehicles does the Maryland Driver's Manual say must stop before every railroad crossing?
All pickup trucks
Motorcycles and mopeds
Any vehicle towing a trailer or carrying more than four passengers
Buses, school buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.