Railroad crossing rules for CDL drivers

Section 2.15 of the CDL handbook covers railroad-highway crossings: when to stop and how to cross safely. It is tested on the General Knowledge test.

Key facts

Part of	the General Knowledge test (80% to pass)	DL-7C p. iv
Handbook section	§2.15 Railroad-highway crossings	DL-7C p. 2-30
Questions in CDL Mile's bank	10	CDL Mile, checked against DL-7C

§ 2.15.2p. 2-31
At a gated crossing, stay stopped until the gates are all the way up and the lights have stopped flashing. Then go only when it is safe.
Warning Signs and Devices
§ 2.15.5p. 2-32
Never let traffic trap you in a spot where you would have to stop on the tracks. Wait until you are sure you can get all the way across before you start.
Crossing the Tracks
§ 2.15.1p. 2-30
A passive crossing has no traffic control device, so the decision to stop or go rests entirely with you. Crossings with flashing lights, bells or gates are active crossings.
Types of Crossings

General Knowledge · Railroad-highway crossings

A long freight train has just cleared a crossing with two sets of tracks. What should you do before starting across?

Tap an answer to see the explanation and the handbook page.

General Knowledge · Railroad-highway crossings

When you must make a full stop at a railroad crossing, what does the handbook say to do as you stop?

Tap an answer to see the explanation and the handbook page.

Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook (DL-7C), revised March 2026, Texas Department of Public Safety. Page references are to its printed page numbers. CDL Mile is independent and not affiliated with Texas DPS.

Updated for the March 2026 Texas CDL handbook (DL-7C). Last checked November 4, 2026.

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