Florida Class E Knowledge ExamFlorida Road RulesEasy
You are driving on a Florida roadway and approach a railroad crossing that has flashing red lights and the crossing gate is down. What is your legal obligation?
- AStop only if a train is clearly visible and approaching rapidly.
- BDrive around the crossing gate if no train appears to be approaching.
- CStop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail and wait for the gate to rise and lights to stop flashing.
- DSlow down, look both ways, and proceed if no train is visible.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail and wait for the gate to rise and lights to stop flashing.
Florida law requires drivers to stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail when a railroad crossing has flashing red lights, a lowered gate, or a signal indicating a train is approaching. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to proceed or drive around the gate.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; the signals indicate a train is approaching, regardless of visibility.
- B. This is illegal and highly dangerous, risking a collision with a train.
- D. This is incorrect and dangerous; flashing lights and a lowered gate mean a train is imminent.
Railroad Crossing Signals
When a railroad crossing has flashing red lights, a lowered gate, or an audible signal, drivers must stop and wait for the train to pass and the signals to clear.
- Stop at least 15 feet, but no more than 50 feet, from the nearest rail.
- Never drive around or under a lowered gate.
- Proceed only when the gate is raised and lights stop flashing.
Memory trick: Rails Red, Remain Remote.