SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-round-railroad-warning

A round yellow sign with a black X and two Rs means what?

A railroad crossing is ahead. Look, listen, slow down.

  1. Road closed ahead
  2. Railroad crossing ahead ✔
  3. Roundabout ahead

Why: The circle is the railroad advance warning sign, placed before the tracks. It tells you to look, listen, slow down and be ready to stop.

Huh, didn't know that: The round shape is used only for the railroad advance warning sign.

The dad joke
Why did the train sign stay round? It had no corners to cut.
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References

Answer: Railroad crossing ahead. The circle is the railroad advance warning sign, placed before the tracks. It tells you to look, listen, slow down and be ready to stop.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road
    You are approaching a railroad crossing. Look, listen, slow down, and prepare to stop.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Table 2A-1 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Editionr1/mutcd11theditionr1hl.pdf
    Circle* Grade Crossing Advance Warning (W10-1)
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

Cars & DrivingFor most drivers in most states, what does a white RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck require?Cars & DrivingAt a railroad crossing with a STOP sign, what is the minimum stopping distance from the nearest rail?Cars & DrivingWhich sign is the only one shaped like an eight-sided octagon?

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