A train has passed and the crossing gate is beginning to rise. May you drive under the moving gate?
Correct answer: No; do not pass through while the gate is still opening.
The prohibition covers a closed gate and a gate that is opening or closing. Wait for the crossing to permit travel and check that it is safe.
Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56 Chapter 5; Section 56-5-2710(b): gate still opening; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
A train is plainly visible and dangerously close to a crossing, but you see no flashing crossing lights. What must you do?
Correct answer: Stop and wait until you can cross safely.
A visible train in hazardous proximity is itself a reason the statute requires a stop. The absence of an active light does not establish that the crossing is safe.
Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56 Chapter 5; Section 56-5-2710(a)(4): visible hazardous approach; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
A crossing warning activates for approaching railroad maintenance equipment rather than a passenger or freight train. Does the stop requirement still apply?
Correct answer: Yes; it also covers other on-track equipment.
The statute expressly includes other on-track equipment. Do not disregard a crossing warning because the approaching equipment does not look like a conventional train.
Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56 Chapter 5; Section 56-5-2710(a): other on-track equipment; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
A STOP sign controls a railroad crossing, but no train is visible. What is required?
Correct answer: Stop, then proceed only after checking that crossing is safe.
A designated railroad-crossing stop sign requires a stop even without an approaching train. The required stopping position is 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail.
Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56 Chapter 5; Section 56-5-2715: designated crossing stop sign; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
On a two-way road, how close to a railroad crossing does South Carolina prohibit driving left of center to pass another vehicle?
Correct answer: Within 100 feet of the crossing.
The 100-foot restriction concerns using the left side of the roadway for a pass near the crossing. Do not invent a passing opportunity simply because no train is visible.
Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56 Chapter 5; Section 56-5-2735(B): passing near a crossing; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
You tow a low-clearance trailer toward a raised railroad crossing. What must you determine before driving across?
Correct answer: The vehicle and trailer have enough clearance to get over it.
A vehicle must not be driven or towed across until its driver determines it has sufficient undercarriage clearance. Becoming hung up on the tracks creates an emergency.
Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56 Chapter 5; Section 56-5-2735(D): undercarriage clearance; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Cars are stopped at a railroad crossing on a road with one marked lane in your direction. May you form a second side-by-side line to get closer to the tracks?
Correct answer: No; a second line is not allowed without marked lanes for it.
When stopping at a crossing, drivers must not create two traffic lines unless their side of the roadway is marked for two or more lanes.
Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56 Chapter 5; Section 56-5-2735(C): queue at an unmarked single approach lane; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
A drawbridge displays a stop indication while opening for boats. When may you go beyond its stop limit?
Correct answer: After a proceed indication is displayed and it is safe.
Wait for the bridge’s signal to permit travel. Your judgment that the boat has passed does not cancel the stop indication.
Source: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56 Chapter 5; Section 56-5-2760: drawbridge stop indications; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Your car stalls on railroad tracks and will not move. You do not see a train. What should you do first?
Correct answer: Get everyone out promptly and away from the tracks and car.
Leave the stalled vehicle even when no train is visible. Move clear of the tracks and possible debris, then report the emergency from a safe location.
Source: NHTSA, Train and Railroad Crossing Safety; Freight and Commuter Trains; Steps for Navigating Crossings, item 7: stalled car; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Everyone is safely clear of a car stuck on the tracks. A blue-and-white ENS sign is visible. What information should you use when reporting the emergency?
Correct answer: Call its railroad emergency number and give its crossing ID and the problem.
The ENS phone number reaches the responsible railroad. Its crossing identification number locates the crossing; tell the dispatcher what is obstructing it.
Source: FRA, Emergency Notification Systems at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings; updated April 4, 2025; In Case of Emergency, Use ENS Signs To Get Help; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
You and your passengers have moved safely away from a car stalled on the tracks, but you cannot see an ENS sign. What should you do?
Correct answer: Call 911 and report the crossing emergency and location.
NHTSA directs drivers to call 911 when the emergency sign is not visible. Do not delay reporting or re-enter danger to search for a sign.
Source: NHTSA, Train and Railroad Crossing Safety; Freight and Commuter Trains; Steps for Navigating Crossings, item 7: no visible ENS sign; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
The last car of one train has passed, but warning lights are still flashing at a multiple-track crossing. What should you remember?
Correct answer: Another train may approach; wait for the warnings to end and check again.
Do not assume that a single train was the only hazard. Wait for gates to be fully raised and lights to stop flashing, then look and listen before crossing.
Source: NHTSA, Train and Railroad Crossing Safety; Freight and Commuter Trains; Steps for Navigating Crossings, items 5-6: more than one train; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
