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Nebraska: Railroad crossings

Crossbucks, advance warning signs, flashing lights and gates, the stopping distance, vehicles that must stop and a stalled vehicle on the tracks. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.

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Railroad crossings — Part 1

Questions in this part include: “What does a crossbuck sign advise a driver of?”

18 questions≈ 7 min
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Railroad crossings — Part 2

Questions in this part include: “Which vehicles must stop at railroad crossings, so you should watch for them?”

18 questions≈ 7 min
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All 36 Railroad crossings questions with answers

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  1. A flashing red light is at a railroad crossing and no train is visible. What must a driver do?

    A white RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck sign with a bell and a pair of red signal lights, one of them lit
    • Slow down and cross if no train is in sight
    • Stop only if a train is visible
    • Make a complete stop
    • Stop only if the gate is lowered
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Make a complete stop

    A flashing red light at a railroad crossing requires a complete stop even if a train is not visible.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 31 · Open this page in the manual

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  2. What does a crossbuck sign advise a driver of?

    • A railroad crossing ahead
    • A school crossing ahead
    • A divided highway ahead
    • A no passing zone
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A railroad crossing ahead

    A crossbuck and circle advise the operator of a railroad crossing ahead.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 35 · Open this page in the manual

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  3. What does a railroad crossbuck and circle sign mean a driver should do?

    A two-lane road with a double yellow center line leading to railroad tracks: a large X with the letters R R painted in the lane, a white line across the lane before the rails, a crossbuck and a round yellow sign beside the road, and a blue car approaching
    • Wait for a flagger at every crossing before crossing the tracks
    • Slow down and cross whenever no gate is down across the road
    • Look both ways, listen for and yield to trains, and be ready to stop
    • Sound the horn and cross the tracks as quickly as possible
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Look both ways, listen for and yield to trains, and be ready to stop

    The railroad crossing sign means look both ways, listen for and yield to trains and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 35 · Open this page in the manual

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  4. What does a number under a railroad crossbuck indicate?

    A white RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck sign on a post, with a white plaque below it reading 3 TRACKS.
    • The speed limit for the crossing
    • More than one set of tracks
    • The number of trains per day
    • The distance to the crossing in hundreds of feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: More than one set of tracks

    The number under the crossbuck indicates there is more than one set of tracks following the sign.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 35 · Open this page in the manual

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  5. What must a driver do when the flashing light signals at a railroad crossing are flashing?

    A white RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck sign with a bell and a pair of red signal lights, one of them lit
    • Slow down and cross if no train is visible
    • Stop for 10 seconds and then cross
    • Cross if the gate is still up
    • Stop and not cross until it can be done safely
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Stop and not cross until it can be done safely

    Drivers must stop when the lights are flashing and not cross until they can do it safely.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 35 · Open this page in the manual

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  6. What should a driver do at a crossing with more than one track?

    Top view of a two-lane road crossing two parallel railroad tracks, with a white X-shaped crossbuck sign beside the tracks and a round yellow RR sign on the approach; a blue car drives toward the crossing and no train is in sight.
    • Watch for trains from either the same or opposite direction
    • Watch only for trains from the right
    • Watch only for trains that are on the nearest track
    • Expect that only one train can be there at a time
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Watch for trains from either the same or opposite direction

    At a crossing with more than one track, a driver should be careful to watch for trains from the same or opposite direction.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 35 · Open this page in the manual

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  7. How long must a driver remain stopped at a railroad crossing with gates?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • Until the gate begins to rise
    • Until the train is out of sight
    • Until the gates go up and the lights stop flashing
    • Until the lights stop flashing, even if the gates are down
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Until the gates go up and the lights stop flashing

    The driver remains stopped until the gates go up and the lights stop flashing.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 35 · Open this page in the manual

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  8. When must a driver stop at a railroad crossing with gates?

    A railroad crossing signal with a white crossbuck, two round red lamps that are not lit, and its striped gate arm raised straight up.
    • Only after the gate goes down
    • When the lights start to flash, before the gate goes down
    • Only if a train is visible
    • Only when the gate is down and a train is in sight
    Show answer

    Correct answer: When the lights start to flash, before the gate goes down

    A driver must stop when the lights start to flash before the gate goes down.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 35 · Open this page in the manual

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  9. What does the manual say about driving around railroad gates?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • It is allowed when no train is in sight
    • It is allowed after stopping and looking
    • It is allowed if the lights are not flashing
    • It is dangerous and against the law
    Show answer

    Correct answer: It is dangerous and against the law

    The manual says never to drive around the gates, because it is dangerous and against the law.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 35 · Open this page in the manual

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  10. What are railroad gates and warning lights meant to alert you to?

    Top view of a railroad crossing with gates down and red lights flashing, including a gate across the sidewalk; a pedestrian walks toward it.
    • That a train is in the area
    • That a train has already gone by
    • That the road is closed for the day
    • That the speed limit has changed
    Show answer

    Correct answer: That a train is in the area

    Railroad gates and warning lights alert you that a train is in the area, and you may collide with a train if you go onto the tracks.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 35 · Open this page in the manual

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  11. A round sign shows a large X with the letters R and R. What does it mean?

    A round yellow sign with a black rim showing a large black X with a black letter R on each side of it, on a gray post.
    • Stop at every railroad crossing, even if no train is near
    • Yield and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching
    • The railroad crossing is closed
    • Slow to 15 MPH in all cases
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Yield and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching

    The Railroad Crossing sign means yield and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 41 · Open this page in the manual

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  12. A diamond-shaped sign reading NO TRAIN HORN is installed under a Railroad Crossing sign. What does it indicate?

    A yellow diamond sign with a black border reading NO TRAIN HORN.
    • The railroad crossing is no longer in use.
    • Trains must stop before the crossing.
    • Drivers may not use their horns near the crossing.
    • A quiet zone has been established there.
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A quiet zone has been established there.

    The No Train Horn sign is installed under Railroad Crossing signs where a quiet zone has been established, and trains do not blow the horn there.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 41 · Open this page in the manual

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  13. Which white letters are set into or applied to the pavement in advance of a railroad crossing?

    • RRX
    • TRN
    • RWY
    • RxR
    Show answer

    Correct answer: RxR

    In advance of a railroad crossing, the white letters RxR are set into or applied to the pavement to advise, warn or guide traffic.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 46 · Open this page in the manual

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  14. At railroad crossings, why may a yellow line be placed on the right side of the center line?

    A two-lane road with a double yellow center line leading to railroad tracks: a large X with the letters R R painted in the lane, a white line across the lane before the rails, a crossbuck and a round yellow sign beside the road, and a blue car approaching
    • To prevent passing
    • To mark the stopping position
    • To show the edge of the shoulder
    • To mark a bike lane
    Show answer

    Correct answer: To prevent passing

    At railroad crossings, a yellow line may be placed on the right side of the center line to prevent passing.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 46 · Open this page in the manual

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  15. Which of these may be painted on the pavement at a railroad crossing?

    • A large red triangle
    • A green arrow
    • A large white X
    • A blue square
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A large white X

    Crossings may have a large white X, the letters RR, a no passing zone and/or a stop line painted on the pavement.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  16. The manual says to approach a railroad crossing at a speed fast enough to coast across the tracks if your engine stalls and what else?

    Top view of a two-lane road crossing two parallel railroad tracks, with a white X-shaped crossbuck sign beside the tracks and a round yellow RR sign on the approach; a blue car drives toward the crossing and no train is in sight.
    • Slow enough to shift gears on the tracks
    • Slow enough to stop if necessary
    • Slow enough to creep across in first gear
    • Fast enough to cross before a gate lowers
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Slow enough to stop if necessary

    You approach at a constant controlled speed, fast enough to coast across if the engine stalls and slow enough to stop if necessary.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  17. At a railroad crossing, on which track and when should you expect a train?

    Top view of a two-lane road crossing two parallel railroad tracks, with a white X-shaped crossbuck sign beside the tracks and a round yellow RR sign on the approach; a blue car drives toward the crossing and no train is in sight.
    • Only on the track nearest you
    • Only when the lights are flashing
    • Only at times printed on the crossing sign
    • On any track at any time
    Show answer

    Correct answer: On any track at any time

    The manual says to expect a train on any track at any time.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  18. A flagman signals that a train or on-track equipment is approaching a crossing. What must you do?

    Top view of a two-lane road crossing a railroad track that has crossbuck signs but no gates; a locomotive with its headlight on comes along the track from the left, a worker in an orange vest and hard hat stands at the right roadside holding a red flag down at the side, and a blue car approaches from the bottom.
    • Stop
    • Slow down and cross if no train is visible
    • Cross quickly before it arrives
    • Honk and proceed with caution
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Stop

    You must stop when a flagman signals that a train or on-track equipment is approaching.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  19. What does the manual say about driving through, around or under a railroad crossing gate or barrier?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • You may drive around it if you can see no train coming
    • You may drive under it if it is raised only part way
    • Never drive through, around or under any gate or barrier
    • You may drive through it if the lights stopped flashing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Never drive through, around or under any gate or barrier

    Drivers must never drive any vehicle through, around or under any gate or barrier.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  20. If there is no stop line, how far from the nearest rail must you stop when required to stop at a railroad crossing?

    A blue car driving toward a rural railroad crossing marked only by RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck signs, as a freight train sounding its horn approaches from the left
    • Not less than 5 feet nor more than 10 feet
    • Not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet
    • Not less than 25 feet nor more than 100 feet
    • Not less than 30 feet nor more than 75 feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet

    When required to stop with no stop line, you stop not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  21. When must you stop for a train or on-track equipment that is clearly visible or whose whistle is heard?

    A blue car driving toward a rural railroad crossing marked only by RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck signs, as a freight train sounding its horn approaches from the left
    • Only when the crossing gates are lowered
    • Only when the warning lights are flashing
    • Only when a stop sign is posted there
    • When it would be hazardous for you to cross
    Show answer

    Correct answer: When it would be hazardous for you to cross

    You must stop when a train or on-track equipment is clearly visible or its whistle is heard and it would be hazardous for you to cross.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  22. After stopping at a railroad crossing, what else must you make sure of before crossing the tracks?

    Top view of a two-lane road crossing two parallel railroad tracks, with a white X-shaped crossbuck sign beside the tracks and a round yellow RR sign on the approach; a blue car drives toward the crossing and no train is in sight.
    • There is room for your car on the other side
    • Your windows are rolled down to listen
    • Your headlights are switched to high beam
    • Your engine is turned off while you wait
    Show answer

    Correct answer: There is room for your car on the other side

    After stopping, you make sure all tracks are clear and that there is room for your car on the other side of the tracks.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  23. Which vehicles must stop at railroad crossings, so you should watch for them?

    • Motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles
    • Ambulances and police cars responding to calls
    • Buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials
    • Taxis and vans making deliveries or pickups
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials

    The manual says to watch for vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings, such as buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  24. After stopping at a railroad crossing, what should you watch out for?

    Top view of a two-lane road crossing two parallel railroad tracks, with a white X-shaped crossbuck sign beside the tracks and a round yellow RR sign on the approach; a blue car drives toward the crossing and no train is in sight.
    • Only trains coming from the left
    • Multiple trains or on-track equipment
    • Only the first train to arrive
    • Only trains with their headlights on
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Multiple trains or on-track equipment

    The manual says to watch out for multiple trains or on-track equipment.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  25. If your vehicle stalls on a railroad crossing, what should you do?

    A red car stopped on railroad tracks with its hazard lights flashing, the crossing lights dark and the gates up
    • Stay inside and keep trying to restart the engine
    • Wait on the tracks beside the vehicle for help
    • Stay inside with seat belts fastened until help arrives
    • Get everyone out and off the tracks immediately
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Get everyone out and off the tracks immediately

    If the vehicle stalls on a crossing, you get everyone out and off the tracks immediately.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  26. If your vehicle stalls on a crossing and no train is seen immediately, how can you try to stop a train?

    A red car stopped on railroad tracks with its hazard lights flashing, the crossing lights dark and the gates up
    • Call the 1-800 number on the crossing sign
    • Wave a flag from beside the tracks
    • Flash your headlights from the roadside
    • Call the nearest train station
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Call the 1-800 number on the crossing sign

    The manual says to call the 1-800 number on the crossing sign to try to stop the train or on-track equipment.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  27. If a train or on-track equipment is coming after your vehicle has stalled on a crossing, what should you do?

    A car stuck on railroad tracks behind stopped traffic, with the gates down and a train approaching
    • Stay beside the vehicle on the tracks
    • Try to start the engine again
    • Stay clear of the tracks
    • Move the vehicle along the tracks
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Stay clear of the tracks

    If a train or on-track equipment is coming, you stay clear of the tracks.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  28. What color is the Railroad Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign typically?

    • Green
    • Blue
    • Red
    • Yellow
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Blue

    The manual describes the ENS sign at highway-rail grade crossings as typically blue.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  29. What does the Railroad Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign provide to the public?

    A blue rectangular sign with a white border, white lettering and a telephone symbol, mounted on a post below a white railroad crossbuck.
    • A map of nearby crossings and train schedules
    • A radio frequency for contacting train engineers
    • A telephone number answered only during business hours
    • A 24/7/365 telephone number to report problems or emergencies
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A 24/7/365 telephone number to report problems or emergencies

    The ENS sign gives a 24/7/365 telephone number for reporting problems or emergencies at railroad crossings.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  30. Who answers the toll-free number on a Railroad Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign?

    A blue rectangular sign with a white border, white lettering and a telephone symbol, mounted on a post below a white railroad crossbuck.
    • Railroad dispatchers
    • State Patrol dispatchers
    • Local fire department staff
    • County 911 operators
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Railroad dispatchers

    The toll-free ENS number is answered by railroad dispatchers.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  31. Where is the Railroad Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign located?

    • Only on the pavement in front of the crossing gates
    • On the wall of the nearest railroad company office
    • On the black and white crossbuck or near the crossing
    • On a separate sign a mile before the crossing starts
    Show answer

    Correct answer: On the black and white crossbuck or near the crossing

    The ENS sign is either on the black and white crossbuck or near the actual crossing.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 58 · Open this page in the manual

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  32. What does the Department of Transportation number below the dispatch number on a Railroad Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign identify?

    • The railroad company that owns the track
    • The exact location of the crossing
    • The arrival time of the next train
    • The number of tracks at the crossing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The exact location of the crossing

    The Department of Transportation number identifies the exact location of the crossing in question.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 59 · Open this page in the manual

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  33. An average 150-car freight train traveling 30 MPH requires what stopping distance?

    • 1,200 feet
    • 2,000 feet
    • 5,000 feet
    • 3,150 feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: 3,150 feet

    An average 150-car freight train traveling 30 MPH needs 3150 feet, or three-fifths of a mile, to stop.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 59 · Open this page in the manual

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  34. An average 150-car freight train traveling 60 MPH requires what stopping distance?

    • 8,500 feet
    • 4,000 feet
    • 6,300 feet
    • 10,500 feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: 8,500 feet

    The same train traveling 60 MPH needs 8500 feet, or one and three-fifths miles, to stop.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 59 · Open this page in the manual

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  35. What does the manual say about trying to beat a train across the tracks?

    A blue car driving toward a rural railroad crossing marked only by RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck signs, as a freight train sounding its horn approaches from the left
    • It is safe if the train is far away
    • It is safe if the gates are still up
    • Never try it; even a tie means you lose
    • It is safe if you see only one train
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Never try it; even a tie means you lose

    The manual says never to try to beat a train or on-track equipment across the tracks, because even a tie means you will be the loser.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 59 · Open this page in the manual

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  36. Why does the manual say not to shift gears when crossing railroad tracks?

    Top view of a two-lane road crossing two parallel railroad tracks, with a white X-shaped crossbuck sign beside the tracks and a round yellow RR sign on the approach; a blue car drives toward the crossing and no train is in sight.
    • You might lose steering
    • You might stall
    • The tracks may be slippery
    • You might damage the rails
    Show answer

    Correct answer: You might stall

    The manual says not to shift gears when crossing railroad tracks because you might stall.

    Source: ⁨Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025)⁩, page 59 · Open this page in the manual

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