California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Rules of the Road and Right-of-WayMedium
You are approaching a railroad crossing that has a 'DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS' sign. What is the most critical action you must take if there is heavy traffic ahead?
- AStop on the tracks only if the crossing gates are not down.
- BProceed quickly across the tracks to avoid blocking them.
- CHonk your horn to alert traffic ahead to move forward.
- DStop before the tracks if you cannot clear them completely.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Stop before the tracks if you cannot clear them completely.
If there is heavy traffic and you cannot clear the railroad tracks completely, you must stop before the tracks, even if the gates are up and no train is visible. Stopping on the tracks is extremely dangerous if traffic stalls.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Stopping on tracks is always dangerous, regardless of gate position.
- B. Proceeding quickly does not guarantee you'll clear the tracks if traffic is stalled.
- C. Honking might not clear traffic and doesn't address the primary danger of stopping on tracks.
Railroad Crossing - No Stop on Tracks
Never stop on railroad tracks. If traffic ahead prevents you from clearing the tracks, stop before the tracks until you have enough space to cross completely.
- Even if gates are up and no train is visible.
- Applies to all vehicles, especially large ones.
- Stopping on tracks is a major cause of fatal accidents.
Memory trick: Tracks are for trains, not for your car's pains.