Railroad Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign

Updated July 9, 2026

Railroad Crossing (Crossbuck) · MUTCD R15-1 · Regulatory sign

What the Railroad Crossing (Crossbuck) sign means

The white X-shaped crossbuck reading RAILROAD CROSSING is the classic sign posted right at the tracks. It marks the exact crossing point and works like a yield sign: trains always have the right-of-way. Slow down, look and listen both ways, and be ready to stop. If more than one track exists, a small sign below shows the number of tracks — never start across until you can clear every track without stopping. Cross only when you are certain no train is approaching, because trains cannot stop quickly or swerve to avoid you.

What to do when you see it

Treat it like a yield — slow, look and listen both ways, and cross only when no train is coming and you can clear all tracks.

On the CA permit test

The crossbuck marks the tracks and means yield to trains, which always have the right-of-way.

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