Light rail — Colorado Permit Test

Light Rail Vehicles are governed by all traffic signals and signs and have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists when operating on the streets.

A light rail vehicle is traffic, not a train on a separate right of way. It obeys the same signals you do and gets the same treatment.

The LRVs are governed by all traffic signals and signs and have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists when operating on the streets

In some areas Light Rail Vehicles operate on streets in the same direction as other motor vehicles, and in other areas they operate in the opposite direction from other traffic.

A vehicle coming the wrong way up the street is exactly what a driver is not looking for. Knowing it happens is the whole warning.

In some areas, LRVs will operate on streets in the same direction as other motor vehicles. In other areas, LRVs will operate in the opposite direction from other traffic

Each light rail car weighs up to 40 tons and cannot stop quickly, so never turn in front of an approaching Light Rail Vehicle.

Forty tons on steel rails has less grip and far more weight than any truck. It cannot swerve and it cannot stop for a car.

Each light rail car weighs up to 40 tons and can’t stop quickly

Never turn across a set of light rail tracks without checking in all directions, and watch for people getting on and off a stopped Light Rail Vehicle.

A second vehicle can be coming the other way on the next set of tracks, and passengers step off into the street.

Never turn across a set of light rail tracks without checking in all directions

Be especially alert in light rail areas because nearby buildings and foliage can make it difficult for motorists to see Light Rail Vehicles.

In a street the vehicle appears from behind whatever is at the corner. It is quiet and it is long, and both work against you.

Be especially alert in light rail areas as nearby buildings and foliage can make it difficult for motorists to see LRVs

Some light rail crossings have regular traffic lights, some have warning lights and some have gates with railroad type arms, and all of these signals mean stop and do not cross the tracks.

Three different pieces of equipment carry one message. A driver who reads them as different things will eventually get one wrong.

All these signals mean the same thing

Never drive around traffic gates at a light rail crossing, even if a Light Rail Vehicle has just passed, because another vehicle might be coming from the other direction.

The gate stays down because the crossing is not clear. The vehicle that just went by is often the reason you did not see the next one.

Never drive around traffic gates, even if an LRV has just passed

Be aware of your vehicle height near light rail, because overhead wires are a standard height of 18 feet, 6 inches above the center of the tracks, and you should always assume a hanging wire is electrified.

The wire carries enough power to kill through anything it touches. Assuming it is live costs nothing and assuming otherwise costs everything.

Overhead wires are a standard height of 18 feet, 6 inches above the center of the tracks.

How are light rail vehicles treated on the street?

The same as other motorists, obeying signals and signs. A light rail vehicle is traffic, not a train on a separate right of way. It obeys the same signals you do and gets the same treatment. Colorado Driver Handbook, p.21: “The LRVs are governed by all traffic signals and signs and have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists when operating on the streets”