Railroad warning devices — Utah Permit Test

A Utah driver must stop when crossing lights begin to flash or bells begin to ring, and before the gates begin to lower across the traffic lane.

The lights start before the gates move. Stopping then is what keeps a car from being caught under one.

Stop when the lights flash and before the gates begin to lower across your traffic lane.

A Utah driver must remain stopped at a railroad crossing until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing.

A second train often follows the first, and the lights stay on because of it.

Remain stopped until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing.

Where a Utah crossing has more than one set of tracks, a driver must make sure all the tracks are clear before crossing.

The second train is hidden by the first, and it arrives on the track you are about to be standing on.

If there is more than one set of tracks, ensure all tracks are clear before crossing.

A stop line, an X, and the letters RR may be painted on the pavement in front of a Utah railroad crossing.

The paint carries the warning where a driver is already looking, which is at the road rather than the roadside.

A stop line, an “X” and the letters “RR” may be painted on the pavement in front of railroad crossings.

Utah school bus drivers and drivers of trucks carrying hazardous materials are required to stop at all railroad crossings, check both directions, and never shift gears on the crossing.

A bus stopping at an empty crossing is not hesitating. Following too close behind one is what causes the crash.

SCHOOL BUSES Drivers are required to stop at all railroad crossings.

When must a Utah driver stop at a gated crossing?

When the lights flash or bells ring. The lights start before the gates move. Stopping then is what keeps a car from being caught under one. Utah Driver Handbook 2026-2027, p.87: “Stop when the lights flash and before the gates begin to lower across your traffic lane.”