Railroad crossbuck
What does it mean?
The white crossbuck marks the location of a railroad crossing. Look for and yield to approaching trains, and obey any STOP or YIELD sign, signal, or gate used at the crossing.
What to do when you see it
- Look and listen for trains in both directions.
- Obey STOP or YIELD signs and all active crossing signals.
- Wait before the tracks unless your whole vehicle can clear the crossing.
How to recognize it
- Two white boards form an X.
- Black RAILROAD CROSSING lettering; the illustration is a project schematic.
On the road
A rural crossing has a crossbuck and YIELD sign but no gates. You check for trains and wait before the tracks until both the crossing and the space beyond it are clear.
Don’t confuse it with
Railroad Crossing Ahead Sign
The round yellow sign provides advance warning; the crossbuck is at the tracks.
Put the meaning into practice
The related quiz includes this sign and other study questions. State practice can also cover local rules; it is not an official DMV exam.
Common U.S. sign recognition, reviewed October 3, 2026. Actual sign values, additional plaques and local rules can change how you should respond.