What does the Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) sign mean?
The Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) sign (MUTCD R15-1) is a railroad crossing sign under the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the national standard the states build from. You are at the tracks, not approaching them. In most states the crossbuck itself carries the duty to yield, and rail traffic holds the right of way at every crossing.
Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 8, Table 8B-1, checked 2026-09-09.
What shape and color is the Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) sign?
| MUTCD code | R15-1 |
|---|---|
| Group | Railroad crossing signs |
| Shape | Two crossed blades forming an X |
| Color | Retroreflective white with the words RAILROAD CROSSING in black |
What a crossbuck means. A railroad grade crossing, at the crossing itself. It carries the same legal weight as a yield sign.
What white means. Regulatory. A black legend on a white background is a law, not advice.
Railroad crossing signs. Advance warning, crossbuck and the passive versus active distinction. Rare on the road, common on the test, and the questions turn on who has right of way.
What is the Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) sign often mistaken for?
Being read as advisory. MUTCD Section 8B.04 makes a YIELD sign the default traffic control device for Crossbuck Assemblies, so a crossbuck with a yield sign carries a legal duty to yield, and a crossbuck with a STOP sign requires a full stop.
Which signs get mistaken for the Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) sign?
Grade Crossing Advance WarningW10-1The crossbuck (R15-1) at the crossing itself. W10-1 is the only round warning sign in the manual and is the one exception to the orange rule inside work zones, where it stays yellow.
What does the permit test ask about the Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) sign?
These 2 questions are from the practice bank, with the answer marked.
This sign sits at the crossing itself. It means:
- A.Trains have right of way and you must yield(correct answer)
- B.The crossing is closed to traffic
- C.Stop here on every approach regardless of trains
- D.The tracks are no longer in use
Source: MUTCD R15-1
At a railroad crossing with no gates or lights, you must:
- A.Proceed without slowing, trains always signal
- B.Slow, look both ways and listen before crossing(correct answer)
- C.Stop every time regardless of conditions
- D.Cross only if another vehicle goes first
Why: Passive crossings put the responsibility on you. Slow down, look along the track in both directions, listen, and never start across unless you can clear the far rail.
Source: Federal MUTCD, 11th Edition (FHWA)
What are the other railroad crossing signs?
All 8 railroad crossing signs on one page, or every US road sign by shape and color.
Test yourself on this sign and the rest of the set with a road signs practice test for Florida, Texas or California.
The artwork is the federal design itself, which the manual dedicates to the public domain in MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 1, Section 1D.06, checked 2026-09-09. The Interstate Shield, the 511 pictograph and the National Scenic Byway graphic are named exceptions and are not reproduced anywhere on this site.
Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Federal Highway Administration or any state agency.