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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-railroad-stop-15-feet

At a railroad crossing with a STOP sign, what is the minimum stopping distance from the nearest rail?

At least 15 feet from the nearest rail.

  1. 5 feet
  2. 15 feet ✔
  3. 50 feet

Why: Stop no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail, then look both ways and yield to rail traffic. Proceed only when it is safe to cross.

Huh, didn't know that: On paved approaches, a stop line should mark where drivers must stop.

The dad joke
Why did the car stop 15 feet from the tracks? It wanted to keep things on the right track.
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References

Answer: 15 feet. Stop no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail, then look both ways and yield to rail traffic. Proceed only when it is safe to cross.

  1. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 8B.04 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Editionr1/mutcd11theditionr1hl.pdf
    must come to a full stop not less than 15 feet short of the nearest rail
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 8C.03 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Editionr1/mutcd11theditionr1hl.pdf
    a stop line should be installed to indicate the point behind which motor vehicles are required to stop
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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