empty cell
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) arrows logo

Chapter 8B. Signs and Markings

Section 8B.01 Purpose

Support:
Passive traffic control systems, consisting of signs and pavement markings, identify and direct attention to the location of a highway-rail grade crossing and advise motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians to take appropriate action.

Section 8B.02 Sizes of Grade Crossing Signs

Standard:
The sizes of grade crossing signs shall be as shown in Table 8B-1.

Option:
Signs larger than those shown in Table 8B-1 may be used (see Section 2A.12).

Table 8B-1. Sizes of Grade Crossing Signs
Sign MUTCD Code Section Conventional Roads Expressway Minimum Oversized
No Right Turn Across Tracks R3-1a 8B.06,
10C.09
600 x 750
(24 x 30)
No Left Turn Across Tracks R3-2a 8B.06,
10C.09
600 x 750
(24 x 30)
Do Not Stop on Tracks R8-8 8B.07,
10C.05
600 x 750
(24 x 30)
Tracks Out of Service R8-9 8B.09,
10C.06
600 x 600
(24 x 24)
Stop Here When Flashing R8-10 8B.10,
10C.08
600 x 900
(24 x 36)
Stop Here on Red R10-6 8B.11,
10C.07
600 x 900
(24 x 36)
No Turn on Red R10-11A 8D.07,
10C.09
600 x 750
(24 x 30)
Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) R15-1 8B.03,
10C.02
1200 x 225
(48 x 9)
Number of Tracks R15-2 8B.03,
10C.02
675 x 450
(27 x 18)
Exempt R15-3 8B.05,
10C.10
600 x 300
(24 x 12)
Light Rail Only Right Lane R15-4a 10C.13 600 x 750
(24 x 30)
Light Rail Only Left Lane R15-4b 10C.13 600 x 750
(24 x 30)
Light Rail Only Center Lane R15-4c 10C.13 600 x 750
(24 x 30)
Light Rail Do Not Pass R15-5 10C.14 600 x 750
(24 x 30)
Do Not Pass Stopped Train R15-5a 10C.14 600 x 750
(24 x 30)
Do Not Drive On Tracks Light Rail Symbol R15-6 10C.12 600 x 600
(24 x 24)
Do Not Drive On Tracks R15-6a 10C.12 600 x 750
(24 x 30)
Light Rail Divided Highway Symbol R15-7 10C.11 600 x 600
(24 x 24)
Light Rail Divided Highway Symbol (T-Intersection) R15-7a 10C.11 600 x 600
(24 x 24)
Look R15-8 8B.16,
10C.03
900 x 450
(36 x 18)
Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning W10-1 8B.04,
10C.15
900 Dia.
(36 Dia.)
Exempt W10-1a 8B.05,
10C.10
600 x 300
(24 x 12)
Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning W10-2,3,4 8B.04,
10C.15
900 x 900
(36 x 36)
Low Ground Clearance Highway-Rail Grade Crossing W10-5 8B.17,
10C.16

900 x 900
(36 x 36)

Light Rail Activated Blank-out Symbol W10-7 10C.17 600 x 600
(24 x 24)
Trains May Exceed 130km/h (80 MPH) W10-8 8B.13 900 x 900
(36 x 36)
No Train Horn W10-9 8B.14 600 x 450
(24 x 18)
No Signal W10-10 8B.15 600 x 450
(24 x 18)
Storage Space symbol W10-11 8B.18,
10C.18
900 x 900
(36 x 36)
Storage Space XX Meters (Feet) Between Tracks & Highway W10-11a 8B.18,
10C.18
750 x 900
(30 x 36)
Storage Space XX Meters (Feet) Between Highway & Tracks Behind You W10-11b 8B.18,
10C.18
750 x 900
(30 x 36)
Skewed Crossing W10-12 8B.19
10C.19
900 x 900
(36 x 36)
No Gates or Lights W10-13 8B.15 600 x 450
(24 x 18)
Next Crossing W10-14 8B.17 600 x 450
(24 x 18)
Use Next Crossing W10-14a 8B.17 600 x 450
(24 x 18)
Rough Crossing W10-15 8B.17 600 x 450
(24 x 18)
Light Rail Station symbol I-12 10C.20 600 x 600
(24 x 24)
Emergency Notification I-13 8B.12,
10C.21
750 x 750
(30 x 30)
Emergency Notification I-13a 8B.12,
10C.21
750 x 750
(30 x 18)

Notes:
  1. Larger signs may be used when appropriate.
  2. Dimensions are shown in millimeters followed by inches in parentheses and are shown as width x height.

Section 8B.03 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign (R15-1) and Number of Tracks Sign (R15-2)

Standard:
The Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (R15-1) sign, commonly identified as the Crossbuck sign, shall be retroreflectorized white with the words RAILROAD CROSSING in black lettering, mounted as shown in Figure 8B-1.

As a minimum, one Crossbuck sign shall be used on each highway approach to every highway-rail grade crossing, alone or in combination with other traffic control devices.

If automatic gates are not present and if there are two or more tracks at the highway-rail grade crossing, the number of tracks shall be indicated on a supplemental Number of Tracks (R15-2) sign of inverted T shape mounted below the Crossbuck sign in the manner and at the height indicated in Figure 8B-1.

Figure 8B-1 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) Regulatory Signs

Thumbnail image of Figure 8B-1

Option:
The supplemental Number of Tracks sign may also be used at highway-rail grade crossings with automatic gates.

Standard:
The Crossbuck sign shall be installed on the right side of the highway on each approach to the highway-rail grade crossing. Where restricted sight distance or unfavorable highway geometry exists on an approach to a highway-rail grade crossing, an additional Crossbuck sign shall be installed on the left side of the highway, possibly placed back-to-back with the Crossbuck sign for the opposite approach, or otherwise located so that two Crossbuck signs are displayed for that approach.

A strip of retroreflective white material not less than 50 mm (2 in) in width shall be used on the back of each blade of each Crossbuck sign for the length of each blade, at all highway-rail grade crossings, except those where Crossbuck signs have been installed back-to-back.

A strip of retroreflective white material, not less than 50 mm (2 in) in width, shall be used on each support at passive highway-rail grade crossings for the full length of the front and back of the support from the Crossbuck sign or Number of Tracks sign to within 0.6 (2 ft) above the edge of the roadway, except on the side of those supports where a STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) sign or flashing lights have been installed or on the back side of supports for Crossbuck signs installed on one-way streets.

Guidance:
Crossbuck signs should be located with respect to the highway pavement or shoulder in accordance with the criteria in Chapter 2A and Figures 2A-1 and 2A-2, and should be located with respect to the nearest track in accordance with Figure 8D-2.

The minimum lateral clearance for the nearest edge of the Crossbuck sign should be 1.8 m (6 ft) from the edge of the shoulder or 3.7 m (12 ft) from the edge of the traveled way in rural areas (whichever is greater), and 0.6 m (2 ft) from the face of the curb in urban areas.

Where unusual conditions make variations in location and lateral clearance appropriate, engineering judgment should be used to provide the best practical combination of view and safety clearances.

Section 8B.04 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning Signs (W10 Series)

Standard:
A Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10-1) sign (see Figure 8B-2) shall be used on each highway in advance of every highway-rail grade crossing except in the following circumstances:

Figure 8B-2 Advance Warning Signs

Thumbnail image of Figure 8B-2

  1. On an approach to a highway-rail grade crossing from a T-intersection with a parallel highway, if the distance from the edge of the track to the edge of the parallel roadway is less than 30 m (100 ft), and W10-3 signs are used on both approaches of the parallel highway; or
  2. On low-volume, low-speed highways crossing minor spurs or other tracks that are infrequently used and are flagged by train crews; or
  3. In business districts where active highway-rail grade crossing traffic control devices are in use; or
  4. Where physical conditions do not permit even a partially effective display of the sign.

Placement of the Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign shall be in accordance with Chapter 2A and Table 2C-4.

Option:
On divided highways and one-way streets, an additional W10-1 sign may be installed on the left side of the roadway.

Standard:
If the distance between the railroad tracks and a parallel highway, from the edge of the tracks to the edge of the parallel roadway, is less than 30 m (100 ft), W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 signs (see Figure 8B-2) shall be installed on each approach of the parallel highway to warn road users making a turn that they will encounter a highway-rail grade crossing soon after making a turn, and a W10-1 sign for the approach to the tracks shall not be required to be between the tracks and the parallel highway.

If the W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4 signs are used, sign placement in accordance with the guidelines for Intersection Warning signs in Table 2C-4 using the speed of through traffic shall be measured from the highway intersection.

Guidance:
If the distance between the railroad tracks and the parallel highway, from the edge of the tracks to the edge of the parallel roadway, is 30 m (100 ft) or more, a W10-1 sign should be installed in advance of the highway-rail grade crossing, and the W10-2, W10- 3, or W10-4 signs should not be used on the parallel highway.

Section 8B.05 EXEMPT Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Signs (R15-3, W10-1a)

Option:
When authorized by law or regulation, a supplemental EXEMPT (R15-3) sign (see Figure 8B-3) with a white background bearing the word EXEMPT may be used below the Crossbuck sign or Number of Tracks sign, if present, at the highway-rail grade crossing, and a supplemental EXEMPT (W10-1a) sign (see Figure 8B-5) with a yellow background bearing the word EXEMPT may be used below the Highway-Rail Advance Warning (W10-1) sign.

Figure 8B-3 Regulatory Signs

Thumbnail image of Figure 8B-3

Support:
These supplemental signs inform drivers of vehicles carrying passengers for hire, school buses carrying students, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials that a stop is not required at certain designated highway-rail grade crossings, except when a train, locomotive, or other railroad equipment is approaching or occupying the highway-rail grade crossing, or the driver's view is blocked.

Section 8B.06 Turn Restrictions During Preemption

Guidance:
At a signalized intersection that is located within 60 m (200 ft) of a highway-rail grade crossing, measured from the edge of the track to the edge of the roadway, where the intersection traffic control signals are preempted by the approach of a train, all existing turning movements toward the highway-rail grade crossing should be prohibited during the signal preemption sequences.

Option:
A blank-out or changeable message sign and/or appropriate highway traffic signal indication or other similar type sign may be used to prohibit turning movements toward the highway-rail grade crossing during preemption. The R3-1a and R3-2a signs shown in Figure 8B-3 may be used for this purpose.

Standard:
Turn prohibition signs that are associated with preemption shall be visible only when the highway-rail grade crossing restriction is in effect.

Section 8B.07 DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS Sign (R8-8)

Guidance:
Whenever engineering judgment determines that the potential for vehicles stopping on the tracks is high, a DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS (R8-8) sign (see Figure 8B-3) should be used.

The sign, if used, should be located on the right side of the highway on either the near or far side of the highway-rail grade crossing, depending upon which side provides better visibility to approaching drivers.

Option:
DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS signs may be placed on both sides of the track.

On divided highways and one-way streets, a second DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign may be placed on the near or far left side of the highway-rail grade crossing to further improve visibility of the sign.

Section 8B.08 STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) Signs at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

Option:
At the discretion of the responsible State or local highway agency, STOP (R1-1) or YIELD (R1-2) signs (see Figure 2B-1) may be used at highway-rail grade crossings that have two or more trains per day and are without automatic traffic control devices.

Support:
Two or more trains per day means an average of two or more trains per day operating over the highway-rail grade crossing for a 12-month period prior to the installation of the STOP or YIELD control sign.

Option:
For other highway-rail grade crossings with passive warning devices, STOP or YIELD signs may be used based on an engineering study.

Guidance:
The engineering study should take into consideration such factors as highway and train traffic characteristics (including volume and speed), collision history, the need for active control devices, and sight distance to the approaching train.

Option:
If a STOP or YIELD sign is installed at a highway-rail grade crossing, it may be installed on the Crossbuck post or on a separate post at a point where the vehicle is to stop, or as near to that point as practical.

Standard:
For all highway-rail grade crossings where STOP or YIELD signs are installed, the placement shall conform to the requirements of Sections 2B.06 and 2B.10. Stop Ahead (W3-1) or Yield Ahead (W3-2) Advance Warning signs (see Figure 2C-4) shall also be installed if the criteria for their installation given in Section 2C.29 is met.

Section 8B.09 TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE Sign (R8-9)

Option:
The TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE (R8-9) sign (see Figure 8B-3) may be used at a highwayrail grade crossing instead of a Crossbuck (R15-1) sign and a Number of Tracks (R15-2) sign (see Figure 8B-1) when railroad tracks have been temporarily or permanently abandoned, but only until such time that the tracks are removed or paved over.

Standard:
When tracks are out of service, traffic control devices and gate arms shall be removed and the signal heads shall be removed or hooded or turned from view to clearly indicate that they are not in operation.

The R8-9 sign shall be removed when the tracks have been removed or covered or when the highway-rail grade crossing is returned to service.

Section 8B.10 STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING Sign (R8-10)

Option:
The STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING (R8-10) sign (see Figure 8B-3) may be used at a highway-rail grade crossing to inform drivers of the location of the stop line or the point at which to stop when the flashing-light signals (see Section 8D.02) are activated.

Section 8B.11 STOP HERE ON RED Sign (R10-6)

Support:
The STOP HERE ON RED (R10-6) sign (see Figure 8B-3) defines and facilitates observance of stop lines at traffic control signals.

Option:
A STOP HERE ON RED sign may be used at locations where vehicles frequently violate the stop line or where it is not obvious to road users where to stop.

Guidance:
If possible, stop lines should be placed at a point where the vehicle driver has adequate sight distance along the track.

Section 8B.12 Emergency Notification Sign (I-13 or I-13a)

Guidance:
An Emergency Notification (I-13 or I-13a) sign (see Figure 8B-4) should be installed at all highway-rail grade crossings to provide for emergency notification. The sign should have a white message on blue background.

Location and placement should be decided cooperatively by the railroad company and the public or private highway agencies based on specific site conditions. However, these signs are typically located on the railroad right-of-way.

This sign, which is for emergency notification, should convey a clear and simple message that is visible to anyone stalled or disabled on the railroad tracks, and to anyone with other emergencies.

Support:
Examples of sign messages are shown in Figure 8B-4.

Figure 8B-4 Emergency Notification Signs

Thumbnail image of Figure 8B-4

Section 8B.13 TRAINS MAY EXCEED 130 km/h (80 MPH) Sign (W10-8)

Guidance:
Where trains are permitted to travel at speeds exceeding 130 km/h (80 mph), a TRAINS MAY EXCEED 130 km/h (80 MPH) (W10-8) sign (see Figure 8B-5) should be installed facing road users approaching the highway-rail grade crossing.

Figure 8B-5 Warning Signs

Thumbnail image of Figure 8B-5

If used, the TRAINS MAY EXCEED 130 km/h (80 MPH) signs should be installed between the Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10-1) sign (see Figure 8B-2) and the highway-rail grade crossing on all approaches to the highway-rail grade crossing. The locations should be determined based on specific site conditions.

Section 8B.14 NO TRAIN HORN Sign (W10-9)

Standard:
A NO TRAIN HORN (W10-9) sign (see Figure 8B-5) shall be installed at each highway-rail grade crossing where there is a Federal Railroad Administration authorization for trains to not sound a horn. The sign shall be mounted as a supplemental plaque below the Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10-1) sign (see Figure 8B-2).

Section 8B.15 NO SIGNAL Sign (W10-10) or NO GATES OR LIGHTS Sign (W10-13)

Option:
A NO SIGNAL (W10-10) sign or a NO GATES OR LIGHTS (W10-13) sign (see Figure 8B-5) may be installed at highway-rail grade crossings that are not equipped with automated signals.

The NO SIGNAL (W10-10) sign or the NO GATES OR LIGHTS (W10-13) sign may be mounted as a supplemental plaque below the Advance Warning (W10-1) sign.

Section 8B.16 LOOK Sign (R15-8)

Option:
At highway-rail grade crossings, the LOOK (R15-8) sign (see Figure 8B-3) may be mounted as a supplemental plaque on the Crossbuck (R15-1) sign post, or as a separate sign in the immediate vicinity of the highway-rail grade crossing on the railroad right-of-way.

Section 8B.17 Low Ground Clearance Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Sign (W10-5)

Guidance:
If the highway profile conditions are sufficiently abrupt to create a hang-up situation for long wheelbase vehicles or for trailers with low ground clearance, the Low Ground Clearance Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (W10-5) sign (see Figure 8B-5) should be installed in advance of the highway-rail grade crossing.

Standard:
Because this symbol might not be readily recognizable by the public, the Low Ground Clearance Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (W10-5) warning sign shall be accompanied by an educational plaque, LOW GROUND CLEARANCE. The LOW GROUND CLEARANCE educational plaque shall remain in place for at least 3 years after the initial installation of the W10-5 sign (see Section 2A.13).

Guidance:
Auxiliary plaques such as AHEAD, NEXT CROSSING, USE NEXT CROSSING (with appropriate arrows), or a supplemental distance plaque should be placed below the W10-5 sign at the nearest intersecting highway where a vehicle can detour or at a point on the highway wide enough to permit a U-turn.

If engineering judgment of roadway geometric and operating conditions confirms that vehicle speeds across the railroad tracks should be below the posted speed limit, a W13-1 advisory speed plaque should be posted.

Option:
If the highway-rail grade crossing is rough, word message signs such as BUMP, DIP, or ROUGH CROSSING may be installed. A W13-1 advisory speed plaque may be installed below the word message sign in advance of rough crossings.

Support:
Information on railroad ground clearance requirements is also available in the "American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association’s Engineering Manual," or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ "Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets" (see Section 1A.11).

Section 8B.18 Storage Space Signs (W10-11, W10-11a, W10-11b)

Guidance:
A Storage Space (W10-11) sign supplemented by a word message storage distance (W10-11a) sign (see Figure 8B-5) should be used where there is a highway intersection in close proximity to the highway-rail grade crossing and an engineering study determines that adequate space is not available to store a design vehicle(s) between the highway intersection and the train dynamic envelope.

The Storage Space (W10-11 and W10-11a) signs should be mounted in advance of the highway-rail grade crossing at an appropriate location to advise drivers of the space available for vehicle storage between the highway intersection and the highway-rail grade crossing.

Option:
A Storage Space (W10-11b) sign (see Figure 8B-5) may be mounted beyond the highwayrail grade crossing at the highway intersection under the STOP or YIELD sign or just prior to the signalized intersection to remind drivers of the storage space between the tracks and the highway intersection.

Section 8B.19 Skewed Crossing Sign (W10-12)

Option:
The Skewed Crossing (W10-12) sign (see Figure 8B-5) may be used at a skewed highway-rail grade crossing to warn drivers that the railroad tracks are not perpendicular to the highway.

Guidance:
If the Skewed Crossing sign is used, the symbol should show the direction of the crossing (near left to far right as shown in Figure 8B-5, or the mirror image if the track goes from far left to near right). If the Skewed Crossing sign is used where the angle of the crossing is significantly different than 45 degrees, the symbol should show the appropriate angle of the crossing.

Standard:
The Skewed Crossing sign shall not be used as a replacement for the required Advance Warning (W10-1) sign. If used, the Skewed Crossing sign shall supplement the W10-1 sign and shall be mounted on a separate post.

Section 8B.20 Pavement Markings

Standard:
All highway-rail grade crossing pavement markings shall be retroreflectorized white. All other markings shall be in accordance with Part 3.

Pavement markings in advance of a highway-rail grade crossing shall consist of an X, the letters RR, a no-passing marking (two-lane highways where centerline markings are used), and certain transverse lines as shown in Figures 8B-6 and 8B-7.

Figure 8B-6 Example of Placement of Warning Signs and Pavement Markings at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

Thumbnail image of Figure 8B-6

Figure 8B-7 Examples of Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Pavement Markings

Thumbnail image of Figure 8B-7

Identical markings shall be placed in each approach lane on all paved approaches to highway-rail grade crossings where signals or automatic gates are located, and at all other highway-rail grade crossings where the posted or statutory highway speed is 60 km/h (40 mph) or greater.

Pavement markings shall not be required at highway-rail grade crossings where the posted or statutory highway speed is less than 60 km/h (40 mph), or in urban areas, if an engineering study indicates that other installed devices provide suitable warning and control.

Guidance:
When pavement markings are used, a portion of the X symbol should be directly opposite the Advance Warning sign. The X symbol and letters should be elongated to allow for the low angle at which they will be viewed.

Option:
When justified by engineering judgment, supplemental pavement marking symbol(s) may be placed between the Advance Warning sign and the highway-rail grade crossing.

Section 8B.21 Stop Lines

Guidance:
The stop line should be a transverse line at a right angle to the traveled way at a point where a vehicle is to stop or as near to that point as possible. The stop line should be placed approximately 2.4 m (8 ft) from the gate (if present), but no closer than 4.6 m (15 ft) from the nearest rail.

Section 8B.22 Dynamic Envelope Markings

Option:
Dynamic envelope markings may be used to mark the edges of the dynamic envelope where there is a highway intersection in close proximity to the highway-rail grade crossing and an engineering study determines that vehicles might stop within the dynamic envelope area.

Dynamic envelope markings may be installed at all highway-rail grade crossings, unless a Four-Quadrant Gate system (see Section 8D.05) is used.

Standard:
If used, pavement markings for indicating the dynamic envelope shall conform to Part 3 and shall be a 100 mm (4 in) normal solid white line or contrasting pavement color and/or contrasting pavement texture.

Guidance:
If used, dynamic envelope pavement markings should be placed on the highway 1.8 m (6 ft) from the nearest rail, installed parallel to the tracks, unless the operating railroad company advises otherwise. The pavement markings should extend across the roadway as shown in Figure 8B-8.

Figure 8B-8 Typical Train Dynamic Envelope Pavement Markings

Thumbnail image of Figure 8B-8

Back to Top