Utah: Railroad and light rail crossings
Crossing signs, signals and gates, where to stop, vehicles that must stop at every crossing, TRAX light rail, and a car stalled on the tracks. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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All 46 Railroad and light rail crossings questions with answers
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At a railroad crossing controlled by flashing signals, gates, a watchman, or stop signs, how far from the nearest rail must you stop?
- Between 5 and 10 feet
- More than 50 feet but not more than 100 feet
- More than 15 feet but not more than 50 feet
- Less than 15 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: More than 15 feet but not more than 50 feet
You stop more than 15 feet but not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail until it is safe to continue.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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At a railroad crossing that has a gate, what must you do?
- Wait for the gate to be raised
- Drive around the gate when no train is visible
- Cross as soon as the train has passed, even if the gate is down
- Cross once the lights stop flashing, whatever the gate position
Show answer
Correct answer: Wait for the gate to be raised
If there is a gate at the crossing, you wait for it to be raised.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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What does a round yellow warning sign with an "X" and black "RR" caution you to do?
- Slow down, look and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop
- Stop only if you can see a train coming down the tracks
- Speed up to cross before a train arrives
- Yield only to vehicles on the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down, look and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop
The round yellow railroad warning sign tells you to slow down, look, and listen for a train or railroad vehicle, ready to stop.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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When crossing railroad tracks, what does the handbook tell you to do?
- Shift gears while on the tracks
- Look both ways and cross the tracks quickly
- Stop on the tracks to check for trains
- Pass a slower vehicle as you cross
Show answer
Correct answer: Look both ways and cross the tracks quickly
You should look both ways and cross quickly, and never stop on the tracks.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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If you must stop for traffic or a signal near a railroad crossing, where do you wait?
- On the tracks, if there is room
- Just past the tracks
- Beside the tracks, in the next lane
- At the stop line before the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: At the stop line before the tracks
The handbook says to wait at the stop line before the tracks and never stop on them.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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If a train is crossing, when may you drive ahead?
- When the train is well down the track
- As soon as the last car passes you
- As soon as the front of the train has passed
- When the train is slowing down
Show answer
Correct answer: When the train is well down the track
You should wait until the train is well down the track before you drive ahead.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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At a crossing with lights and gates, when may you proceed after a train has passed?
- As soon as the gate arms begin to rise
- Once the lights stop flashing, even if the arms are down
- After the arms have raised, the lights are off, and it is safe
- When no other vehicle is stopped ahead of you
Show answer
Correct answer: After the arms have raised, the lights are off, and it is safe
You must wait until the arms are up and the lights are off, and it is safe to go.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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When you stop at a railroad crossing, how far from the nearest rail must you be?
- Between 5 and 10 feet
- Between 50 and 100 feet
- Between 100 and 200 feet
- Between 15 and 50 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Between 15 and 50 feet
Your stopping position must be at least 15 feet but not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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Which action does the handbook say you should never do at a railroad crossing?
- Slow down on the approach to the tracks
- Turn down the car radio as you approach
- Look before crossing the tracks
- Pass a car that is going your direction
Show answer
Correct answer: Pass a car that is going your direction
Passing another vehicle that is traveling your way at a crossing is something you should never do.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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Why is turning down the car radio a good safety measure when approaching a railroad crossing?
- Radio signals can interfere with crossing signals
- Trains sound their horns as they approach a crossing
- Crossing gates only lower when the radio is off
- Trains give no warning except flashing lights
Show answer
Correct answer: Trains sound their horns as they approach a crossing
Trains blow their horns on approach, so a quieter car lets you hear them.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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At night you do not see any train lights near a railroad crossing. What should you assume?
- No train is coming
- Only passenger trains run at night
- A train may still be coming
- The crossing is out of service
Show answer
Correct answer: A train may still be coming
Not seeing lights does not mean the crossing is clear; a train could still be approaching.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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What must you do if the lights at a railroad crossing are flashing?
- Stop completely and not proceed while they flash
- Slow down and proceed if no train is visible
- Stop only if you can see a train approaching
- Slow to 15 miles per hour and cross carefully
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop completely and not proceed while they flash
Flashing lights require a complete stop, and you may not go while they are still flashing.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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After a complete stop, you suspect flashing crossing lights are not working properly. How far down the tracks in both directions must you have a clear line of sight before you may drive through (along with no evidence of an approaching train and being able to cross safely)?
- At least one mile
- At least 500 feet
- At least 1,000 feet
- At least a quarter mile
Show answer
Correct answer: At least one mile
Only after stopping, and only with a clear view of at least one mile both ways, may you drive through lights you suspect are faulty.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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Which statement about crossing gates and barriers at a railroad crossing is correct?
- You may drive around a lowered gate when no train is in sight
- You may drive around a gate that is in the process of being raised
- You may not go through, around, or under it while it is down or moving
- You may go under a lowered gate if you are walking a bicycle
Show answer
Correct answer: You may not go through, around, or under it while it is down or moving
Driving through, around, or under a gate or barrier is not allowed while it is down or moving.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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What do advance warning signs tell you when you are approaching a railroad crossing?
- To stop at the sign and wait for the train to pass completely
- To slow down, look, listen, and be ready to stop at the crossing
- To speed up and cross before a train has time to arrive
- To move into the left lane well before the crossing ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: To slow down, look, listen, and be ready to stop at the crossing
Advance warning signs are placed before the crossing to tell you to slow down, look, listen, and be ready to stop.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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What do the stop line, X, and RR markings painted in front of a railroad crossing warn you to do?
- Yield to all vehicles coming from your right side
- Change lanes before reaching the tracks
- Drive faster to clear the tracks
- Be aware of the crossing and watch for a possible train
Show answer
Correct answer: Be aware of the crossing and watch for a possible train
The markings warn you that a crossing is ahead so you pay close attention to a train that might approach.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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Where are crossbuck signs found?
- Only at crossings with gates
- At all public crossings
- Only at crossings with more than one track
- Only on rural roads
Show answer
Correct answer: At all public crossings
Every public railroad crossing has a crossbuck sign.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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At a crossing with more than one track, what does a sign posted below the crossbuck show?
- The speed of the next train
- The distance to the next crossing
- The number of tracks
- The name of the railroad company
Show answer
Correct answer: The number of tracks
The sign under the crossbuck tells you how many tracks there are.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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What does it mean when crossing lights begin to flash or bells begin to ring?
- A train is coming, so you must stop
- A train has just passed and you may go
- The crossing is closed to heavy vehicles only
- You may cross if you can do it before the gates lower
Show answer
Correct answer: A train is coming, so you must stop
Flashing lights or ringing bells mean a train is coming, and you must stop.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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At a crossing with more than one set of tracks and flashing lights, what must you ensure before crossing?
- That only the nearest track is clear
- That only the track with the flashing lights is clear
- That all tracks are clear
- That the farthest track is clear
Show answer
Correct answer: That all tracks are clear
With several sets of tracks, every one must be clear before you cross.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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At a railroad crossing with gates, when must you stop?
- Only after the gates are fully down across the road
- When lights flash, before the gates lower across your lane
- Only when you can actually see the train approaching
- Only after the bells have started ringing continuously
Show answer
Correct answer: When lights flash, before the gates lower across your lane
You stop as soon as the lights flash, before the gates come down across your lane.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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At a railroad crossing with gates, how long must you remain stopped?
- Until the gates begin to rise above the road
- Until the train has moved completely out of sight
- Until the lights have flashed at least three times
- Until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing
You wait until the gates are up and the lights have stopped flashing, never driving around the gates.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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What must a school bus driver never do while on a railroad crossing?
- Check both directions
- Shift gears
- Listen for approaching trains
- Stop before the crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Shift gears
School bus drivers stop, check both ways, and proceed only when safe, and they never shift gears on the crossing.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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Which statement about trains does the handbook make?
- Trains run only on tracks that have signals
- Trains run only at posted times
- Expect a train on any track at any time
- Trains stay off tracks that look unused
Show answer
Correct answer: Expect a train on any track at any time
You should expect a train on any track at any time.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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What does the handbook say about the schedules of freight trains?
- They do not travel on a predictable schedule
- They follow a posted timetable for each day of the week
- They run only during daylight hours on weekdays
- They never run at night or on weekends
Show answer
Correct answer: They do not travel on a predictable schedule
Freight trains have no predictable schedule, so a train could come at any time.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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Train tracks are what kind of property, no matter which railroad owns them?
- Private property
- Public property
- State-owned property
- Shared roadway
Show answer
Correct answer: Private property
Tracks are private property whichever railroad owns them.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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How much of the time do trains have the right-of-way?
- Only when the lights are flashing
- Only at crossings with gates
- 100% of the time
- Only when a passenger train is involved
Show answer
Correct answer: 100% of the time
Trains always have the right-of-way, even over ambulances, fire engines, cars, police, and pedestrians.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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If there are rails on the railroad ties but there are weeds or the track looks rusty, what should you assume?
- That the track has been abandoned
- That the track is in use
- That trains on it move slowly
- That it is used only at night
Show answer
Correct answer: That the track is in use
Rails on the ties mean you should treat the track as in use, however neglected it looks.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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How far outside the steel rail may a train extend?
- Six inches
- One foot
- Two feet
- Three feet or more
Show answer
Correct answer: Three feet or more
A train can reach three feet or more beyond the rail, so the safe zone for pedestrians is well beyond the rails.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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Once in emergency braking, how far does a 100-car freight train traveling at 55 mph need to stop?
- About 500 feet
- About 1,000 feet
- About half a mile
- More than a mile
Show answer
Correct answer: More than a mile
Because of its weight, such a train needs more than a mile to stop even in emergency braking.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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Which statement about the movement of trains is correct?
- Trains always travel the same direction on a given track
- Trains can move in either direction at any time
- Trains are always pulled and never pushed by locomotives
- Trains move in both directions only on tracks with gates
Show answer
Correct answer: Trains can move in either direction at any time
A train can come from either direction on a track at any time.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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How does an approaching train compare with what you think?
- It is farther away and moving slower than you think
- It is exactly where its sound suggests
- It is closer and moving faster than you think
- It is moving at the speed limit of the road
Show answer
Correct answer: It is closer and moving faster than you think
An approaching train is always closer and faster than it seems.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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How do modern trains compare with older ones?
- They are quieter than ever, with no telltale “clackety-clack”
- They are louder than ever and easy to hear from far away
- They are slower than older trains and easier to stop
- They always run on a fixed schedule posted at crossings
Show answer
Correct answer: They are quieter than ever, with no telltale “clackety-clack”
Modern trains are quieter, so you cannot count on hearing the old clackety-clack.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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If your vehicle stalls on a railroad crossing, what should you do first?
- Try to restart the engine while everyone stays inside
- Immediately get everyone out of the car and off the tracks
- Stay in the car and sound the horn
- Set the parking brake and wait for the train to pass
Show answer
Correct answer: Immediately get everyone out of the car and off the tracks
Everyone must leave the car and get off the tracks right away.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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After everyone is out of a stalled vehicle and off the tracks, what should you do immediately?
- Wait ten minutes to see whether a train comes
- Flag down passing vehicles to push yours
- Return to the car for your belongings
- Notify local authorities
Show answer
Correct answer: Notify local authorities
Once everyone is clear of the tracks, local authorities must be notified immediately.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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Your vehicle has stalled on a crossing and a train is coming. How should you run once clear of the tracks?
- In the direction the train is traveling, along the tracks
- Straight along the tracks, away from the train
- Back toward the stalled vehicle
- Toward the approaching train, at an angle away from the train
Show answer
Correct answer: Toward the approaching train, at an angle away from the train
The handbook says to run toward the approaching train at an angle away from the train.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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Why does the handbook advise running toward the approaching train (at an angle away from it) after a stall on the tracks?
- The engineer is more likely to see you in time
- You are less likely to be hit by flying debris
- The train will brake sooner when it sees you
- The ground beside the tracks is firmer there
Show answer
Correct answer: You are less likely to be hit by flying debris
Moving toward the train lowers the chance of being struck by debris thrown in a collision.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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If your vehicle stalls on a crossing and no train is in sight, what does the handbook say to do?
- Leave it on the tracks and wait for a tow truck
- Wait inside with the doors locked
- Post lookouts and try to start or move the vehicle
- Push the vehicle alone without watching for trains
Show answer
Correct answer: Post lookouts and try to start or move the vehicle
With no train in sight, you may try to start or move the vehicle while lookouts watch for trains.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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Which agency operates the TRAX light rail system throughout the Salt Lake Valley?
- Utah Transit Authority
- Utah Department of Transportation
- Driver License Division
- Salt Lake City Police Department
Show answer
Correct answer: Utah Transit Authority
The Utah Transit Authority runs the light rail system in the Salt Lake Valley.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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What powers light rail cars?
- Overhead electrical lines
- Diesel engines
- A third rail on the ground
- Batteries carried on board
Show answer
Correct answer: Overhead electrical lines
Light rail cars are powered by electrical lines overhead.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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What should you never try to do with a light rail train?
- Wait for it at a railroad crossing
- Stop for it when the gates lower
- Beat it through a railroad crossing
- Watch for it at a railroad crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Beat it through a railroad crossing
Light rail vehicles accelerate quickly, so you should never try to beat one through a crossing.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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How must light rail grade crossings be treated?
- As ordinary intersections when no train is visible
- In the same manner as all train crossings
- As crossings where you may go if the gates are up
- With fewer stopping requirements than other crossings
Show answer
Correct answer: In the same manner as all train crossings
The same rules apply at light rail crossings as at any other train crossing.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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Before entering a crossing, what else must you make sure of regarding the space on the other side?
- The vehicle ahead is moving at least 15 miles per hour
- The gates are painted a visible color
- Your hazard lights are turned on
- There is enough room to completely clear the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: There is enough room to completely clear the tracks
You need room to clear the tracks completely before you enter, so you never stop on them.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 88 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 88)
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Where light rail trains operate through the same intersections and streets as automobiles, what must drivers pay extra attention to?
- Pedestrian crosswalks only
- Overhead electrical lines only
- Horn signals from the train
- Traffic signals and posted signs
Show answer
Correct answer: Traffic signals and posted signs
In shared intersections and streets, extra attention to traffic signals and posted signs is required.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 89 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 89)
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At some locations an overhead sign flashes the logo of a train. What does this mean?
- The crossing is closed to all traffic
- A train is approaching the area
- Light rail service has ended for the day
- The traffic signals at the intersection are off
Show answer
Correct answer: A train is approaching the area
The flashing train logo warns that a train is approaching, so you should pay extra attention to the signals.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 89 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 89)
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How should you treat an overhead sign that flashes the logo of a train?
- As a signal to stop immediately
- As a signal that you may ignore traffic signals
- As an additional warning device, not an indication to stop
- As a signal to speed up and clear the intersection
Show answer
Correct answer: As an additional warning device, not an indication to stop
The flashing train logo is an extra warning, not a signal to stop.
Source: Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (new 2026 laws effective May 6, 2026)), page 89 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 89)