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Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Railroad Crossing Signs Explained
Railroad crossing signs, markings and signals tell you where tracks cross the road and when to yield or stop for a train. Here is what each one means for drivers, based on the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
R15-1Crossbuck sign at the tracks (MUTCD)
W10-1round Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign
35-65flashes per minute for each red crossing light
I13-1blue Emergency Notification System sign
The short answer
A round warning sign (W10-1) and, on many paved roads, an X with the letters RR on the pavement tell you a railroad crossing is ahead. At the tracks, the white X-shaped Crossbuck (R15-1) marks the crossing itself, sometimes with a YIELD or STOP sign, flashing red lights or gates. Slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop for any train.
The Crossbuck sign (R15-1)
The Grade Crossing sign, commonly called the Crossbuck, is retroreflective white with the words RAILROAD CROSSING in black. Its shape, two rectangles in a perpendicular X, is reserved for this sign only. The MUTCD notes that in most States the Crossbuck requires road users to yield the right-of-way to rail traffic.
At least one Crossbuck is used on each highway approach to every highway-rail grade crossing, installed on the right-hand side of the road. A second one goes on the left where sight distance is restricted, highway geometry is unfavorable, or on a one-way multi-lane approach. Each Crossbuck blade is at least 48 by 9 inches, and the center of the sign is normally about 9 feet above the near edge of the pavement.
Number of Tracks plaque (R15-2P): if there are two or more tracks, an inverted T-shaped plaque below the Crossbuck shows how many. Our advice: when you see it, expect that a second train could be coming on another track after the first one passes.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2A.05 and Table 2A-1, Section 8B.03 and Table 8B-1, read November 9, 2026.
YIELD and STOP signs at railroad crossings
A crossing with only signs and pavement markings, and no flashing lights or gates, is a passive crossing. At public highway-rail passive crossings, the MUTCD generally requires a Crossbuck Assembly: the Crossbuck (plus the Number of Tracks plaque where needed) with a YIELD or STOP sign on the same support.
| Sign with the Crossbuck | What the MUTCD says |
|---|---|
| YIELD (R1-2) | The default sign for Crossbuck Assemblies at passive crossings. A yield line or a stop line may be painted to show where to yield or stop. |
| STOP (R1-1) | Used only if an engineering study finds a STOP sign is appropriate; the MUTCD says it should be limited to unusual conditions. A stop line should be painted on paved approaches. |
Our advice: at a YIELD crossbuck, slow down, look both ways down the tracks and be prepared to stop. At a STOP crossbuck, come to a full stop every time.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 8B.04 and 8C.03, read November 9, 2026.
Advance warning signs before the tracks
The Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign (W10-1) is the only circular sign in the MUTCD. It is a warning sign, and warning signs use a black legend and border on a yellow background unless the MUTCD says otherwise. Its minimum size is 36 inches in diameter on conventional roads and 48 inches on expressways. Plaques and extra signs near it tell you more about the crossing:
| Sign | Name | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| W10-1 | Grade Crossing Advance Warning (round) | Used on each highway in advance of every grade crossing, with a few listed exceptions. |
| W10-2, W10-3, W10-4 | Grade crossing and intersection advance warning | Used on a parallel road when the tracks are less than 100 feet from it, to warn drivers who turn toward the tracks. |
| W10-13P | NO GATES OR LIGHTS plaque | May be mounted below the advance warning sign where the crossing has no automatic gates or signals. |
| W10-15P | ROUGH CROSSING plaque | May be mounted below the advance warning sign where the crossing surface might require a reduced speed. |
| W10-9 / W10-9P | NO TRAIN HORN sign or plaque | Installed at each crossing in a federally established Quiet Zone (49 CFR Part 222). |
| W10-8 | TRAINS MAY EXCEED 80 MPH | Should be installed where trains are permitted to travel faster than 80 mph. |
| W10-12 | Skewed Crossing | May be used where the tracks are not perpendicular to the road; used in addition to, not instead of, the W10-1 sign. |
| W10-5 + W10-5P | Low Ground Clearance | Should be installed where the road profile is abrupt enough for long-wheelbase vehicles or low trailers to hang up on the tracks. |
If a YIELD or STOP sign is used at a passive crossing, a Yield Ahead or Stop Ahead sign is also installed where the MUTCD criteria for those signs are met, and the W10-1 sign goes upstream of it.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2A.05, 2C.02, 8B.06, 8B.16, 8B.19, 8B.20, 8B.22, 8B.23 and 8B.25, and Table 8B-1, read November 9, 2026.
Railroad crossing pavement markings
On paved roads, the grade crossing pavement marking is a large X with the letters RR, a no-passing zone marking on two-lane, two-way roads with center lines, and certain transverse lines. All grade crossing pavement markings are retroreflective white.
They are required in each approach lane at crossings with signals or automatic gates, and at other crossings where the posted or statutory speed is 40 mph or higher. Below 40 mph or in urban areas they may be left off if a Diagnostic Team determines other installed devices give suitable warning. Where they are used, part of the X should be directly opposite the advance warning sign.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 8C.02, read November 9, 2026.
Flashing lights and gates
Flashing-light signals: when a train is approaching or present, the signal shows two red lights in a horizontal line flashing alternately, 35 to 65 flashes per minute for each lamp. The assembly includes a Crossbuck sign (and a Number of Tracks plaque where there is more than one track). Bells or other audible devices may be added.
Automatic gates: the gate arm is red-and-white striped, retroreflective, and carries at least three red lights. In the normal sequence, the arm starts down no sooner than 3 seconds after the lights start flashing, is horizontal at least 5 seconds before the train arrives, and stays down until the train completely clears the crossing.
Our advice: stop when the lights start flashing, wait until the gates are fully up and the lights stop, and never drive around a lowered gate. For more on crossing safely, read our railroad crossing safety tips.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 8D.02 and 8D.03, read November 9, 2026.
Other signs you may see at a crossing
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS (R8-8) | Should be used where traffic queues are likely to back up onto the tracks, such as before a downstream STOP or YIELD sign or circular intersection. |
| STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING (R8-10, R8-10a) | May be used to show the stop line or the point where you stop when the flashing lights are on. |
| EXEMPT (R15-3P white, W10-1aP yellow) | Where allowed by law, tells drivers of passenger-for-hire vehicles, school buses carrying students and hazardous-materials vehicles that a stop is not required, except when a train is approaching or occupying the crossing or the view is blocked. |
| Emergency Notification System (I13-1) | Blue sign with a white legend showing the USDOT crossing inventory number and an emergency phone number, for reporting emergencies or malfunctioning signals to the railroad. |
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 8B.07, 8B.09, 8B.11 and 8B.27, read November 9, 2026.
Paragraphs marked as our advice are our own guidance, not MUTCD text.
Keep your vehicle ready for the road
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 9, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Railroad crossing signs FAQ
What does the Crossbuck sign mean?
The Crossbuck (R15-1) is the white X-shaped sign with the words RAILROAD CROSSING. It marks the location of a railroad crossing, and the MUTCD notes that in most States it requires road users to yield the right-of-way to rail traffic.
What shape is a railroad crossing sign?
The Crossbuck at the tracks is two rectangles in a perpendicular X, a shape the MUTCD reserves for that sign. The Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign (W10-1) placed before the crossing is a circle, and the circle is reserved for that sign alone.
What does the round yellow railroad sign mean?
It is the Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign (W10-1). It is placed ahead of the crossing to warn you that tracks are coming up, so you have time to slow down, look and listen. The MUTCD requires it on each highway in advance of every grade crossing, with a few listed exceptions.
What does the small sign with a number under the Crossbuck mean?
That is the Number of Tracks (R15-2P) plaque. The MUTCD requires it below the Crossbuck when there are two or more tracks at the crossing. Our advice: treat it as a reminder that another train could be coming on a second track.
Why do some railroad crossings have a YIELD or STOP sign?
Crossings without flashing lights or gates are called passive crossings. There the Crossbuck is paired with a YIELD or STOP sign on the same support. YIELD is the default; a STOP sign is used only when an engineering study finds it is appropriate.
How do railroad crossing lights flash?
When a train is approaching or present, the flashing-light signal shows two red lights in a horizontal line that flash alternately, at 35 to 65 flashes per minute for each lamp.
What is the blue sign at a railroad crossing?
It is the Emergency Notification System (I13-1) sign, with a white legend on a blue background. It lists the USDOT grade crossing inventory number and an emergency contact telephone number so you can report an emergency or a malfunctioning signal to the railroad.
What does an EXEMPT sign under a Crossbuck mean?
Where allowed by law or regulation, an EXEMPT plaque tells drivers of vehicles carrying passengers for hire, school buses carrying students, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials that a stop is not required at that crossing, except when rail traffic is approaching or occupying it or the driver's view is blocked.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Sign, marking, signal and size details are from the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition with Revision 1 (Revision 1 dated December 2025), read November 9, 2026. This page is a plain-language summary of national standards, not legal advice; state law sets the rules of the road where you drive. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1 (Sections 2A.05, 2C.02, 8B.03, 8B.04, 8B.06, 8B.07, 8B.09, 8B.11, 8B.16, 8B.19, 8B.20, 8B.22, 8B.23, 8B.25, 8B.27, 8C.02, 8C.03, 8D.02, 8D.03, Table 2A-1 and Table 8B-1), Federal Highway Administration, Revision 1 dated December 2025 (PDF last modified March 4, 2026), read November 9, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 9, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 9, 2026