Unless otherwise instructed by Bulletin Order or Form D line 13, trains must stop and provide on-ground warning at highway grade crossing equipped with automatic warning devices unless?

Unless otherwise instructed by Bulletin Order or Form D line 13, trains must stop and provide on-ground warning at highway grade crossing equipped with automatic warning devices unless?

• A. Automatic warning device has been operating at least 20 seconds OR if equipped with gates, that are in horizontal position
• B. The train is empty
• C. The crossing is malfunctioning
• D. The train is moving under 10 mph

Answer: (A)

When approaching a crossing equipped with automatic warning devices, you’re required to stop and protect unless the warning system has already been active long enough to cover the road traffic or the barriers are not across the roadway. Specifically, if the automatic warning devices have been operating for at least 20 seconds, or if the gates are in the horizontal position (meaning they are open and not blocking the road), you may proceed without stopping. These conditions show that the crossing has already been safely warned or is unobstructed, so a full stop isn’t necessary. The other scenarios don’t remove the duty to stop. An empty train doesn’t waive the requirement, a crossing malfunction demands stopping and protecting, and a slow speed doesn’t by itself change the rule.

When approaching a crossing equipped with automatic warning devices, you’re required to stop and protect unless the warning system has already been active long enough to cover the road traffic or the barriers are not across the roadway. Specifically, if the automatic warning devices have been operating for at least 20 seconds, or if the gates are in the horizontal position (meaning they are open and not blocking the road), you may proceed without stopping. These conditions show that the crossing has already been safely warned or is unobstructed, so a full stop isn’t necessary.

The other scenarios don’t remove the duty to stop. An empty train doesn’t waive the requirement, a crossing malfunction demands stopping and protecting, and a slow speed doesn’t by itself change the rule.