Railroad Crossing at Intersection Sign: Meaning and What to Do
The yellow diamond showing a crossroad symbol with railroad tracks drawn across one of its legs warns that a railroad crossing lies on the cross street just past the intersection ahead. In the design shown, the tracks are on the right leg, which means a right turn will put you on the crossing almost immediately.
Railroad Crossing at Intersection Sign
The sign solves a specific problem: the ordinary round railroad advance warning cannot be posted on the cross street because the crossing is too close to the intersection. This diamond gives turning drivers the warning they would otherwise miss.
What to do when you see the railroad crossing at intersection sign
If you are turning toward the tracks, slow before the turn and be ready to stop just after it; do not start the turn if traffic beyond the crossing would leave you stopped on the rails. If you are going straight, note that turning vehicles ahead may stop suddenly for a train. Look and listen as you would at any crossing.
The signs it is confused with
Tests pair it with the round yellow Railroad Advance Warning sign, which is posted directly on the road that crosses the tracks, and with the plain Cross Road diamond, which has no track symbol. The track lines on one leg are the tell.
Signs are one topic of ten on every test
Every state practice test covers signs, signals, and markings among its ten topics, with every answer explained. Pick your state and see how its exam asks about signs like this one; it is free, with no sign-up.
Choose your stateQuestions about the railroad crossing at intersection sign
What does the railroad crossing at intersection sign mean?
A railroad crossing is on the cross street just beyond the intersection ahead, on the side where the tracks are drawn. Turning that way takes you straight onto the crossing.
Why not use the round railroad sign?
The crossing is too close to the intersection for the round advance sign to be placed on the cross street. This diamond warns turning drivers instead.
What should I do if I am turning toward the tracks?
Slow before the turn, be ready to stop after it, and make sure there is room beyond the crossing so you are never stopped on the rails.
Are there other versions of the sign?
Yes. Versions exist for a side road and a T-intersection with a crossing, each showing the tracks on the leg where the crossing is.
How does this sign appear on the written test?
As a recognition question within the railroad sign family, and in turning scenarios near crossings.