What should you do at a railroad crossing with flashing red lights and a lowered gate in California?
You reach a railroad crossing where the red lights are flashing and the gates are lowered. What should you do?
The answer
Stop and wait. Never go under or around lowered gates, and do not cross until the red lights stop flashing, even if the gate goes up.
The handbook says flashing red lights at a crossing mean stop, and you must not proceed until the lights stop flashing, even if the gate rises. It also says not to go under lowering gates or around lowered gates.
When you are warned that a train is approaching, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track. If the gates are down and no train is visible, the handbook says to call the toll-free number posted at the crossing or 911.
Exceptions
- The handbook gives no exception that lets a car go around lowered gates.
- Separate speed rule from the same section: the limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a crossing where you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions, unless the crossing has gates, a warning signal or a flagman.
Why this rule matters for safety
Expect a train on any track, at any time, in either direction. Waiting until the lights stop flashing is the safe signal to go.
Official sources
- California Driver's Handbook, Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (continued) · California DMVNear Railroad or Light Rail Tracks; no edition date shown on the page; site copyright 2026
Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the California agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.
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