Federal law mandates advance warning for railroad crossings that intersect streets at ground level, or grade crossings. These circular warning signs feature two black letter Rs against one crossing--with a yellow background. These signs also accompany black and white crossbuck signs at railroad tracks.
Grade crossing signs warn motorists of dangerous railroad intersections. Trains are always given the right-of-way because they are unable to stop quickly. Grade crossing signs alert you to look both ways and proceed with caution, prior to crossing railroad tracks.
Some railroad crossings do not feature barriers, arms, electronic signals, or even stop signs. These crossings are especially dangerous, and you should observe state law that often requires school buses and commercial vehicles to stop at all railroad crossings.
Do not confuse railroad-crossing signs with state highway shields. State highways may feature circular images against square black backgrounds. Do Not Enter signs also present red circles against square backgrounds.
Never stop upon railroad tracks for any reason.
