New York DMV Permit Written TestRoad SignsHard
You are approaching a railroad crossing. The crossing has a circular yellow sign with a black 'X' and the letters 'RR' on it, but no gates or flashing lights. What does this sign indicate, and what action should you take?
- AIt is a guide sign; you are on a designated railroad bypass route.
- BIt is a warning that the crossing is out of service; proceed with caution at normal speed.
- CIt is a passive warning sign; you must slow down, look, and listen for trains before proceeding.
- DIt is a regulatory sign; you must stop completely and wait for a train to pass, even if none is visible.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It is a passive warning sign; you must slow down, look, and listen for trains before proceeding.
The circular yellow sign with 'RR' and an 'X' is an advance warning sign for a railroad crossing. When there are no gates or flashing lights (meaning it's a passive crossing), drivers must slow down, look both ways, and listen for trains before proceeding safely. It's a warning, not a mandatory stop unless a train is present.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Guide signs are typically green or blue and provide navigational information, not warnings.
- B. The sign warns of an active crossing, not one that's out of service, and requires more than 'normal speed caution'.
- D. A mandatory stop is only required if there are active signals (flashing lights, gates) or a train is visible/audible.
Railroad Advance Warning Sign
A circular yellow sign with a black 'X' and 'RR' indicates a railroad crossing ahead, requiring drivers to slow down, look, and listen for trains, especially at passive crossings.
- Circular, yellow with black 'RR' and 'X'.
- Advance warning for railroad crossing.
- Requires slowing, looking, and listening, particularly at passive crossings.
Memory trick: Railroad signs are round or crossbucks, always 'look, listen, and slow down' before you pass.