Skip to content

Railroad Advance Warning: What It Means & What To Do

Railroad Advance Warning (W10-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: You are within a few hundred feet of a railroad crossing
MUTCD CodeW10-1
CategoryWarning Signs
ShapeDiamond
ColorYellow with black

What Does the Railroad Advance Warning Mean?

You are within a few hundred feet of a railroad crossing. Slow down and be prepared to stop.

About This Sign

This round yellow sign means you are within a few hundred feet of a railroad crossing. Slow down and be prepared to stop. If you see a train coming, STOP. Never try to beat a train.

Where you will see it

You see this round yellow sign on a road ahead of a railroad crossing, when you are within a few hundred feet of the tracks.

What to do

  • Slow down and look and listen for trains.
  • Be prepared to stop before the tracks.
  • If you see a train coming, stop.

A common mistake

Drivers think they can beat a train across the tracks. Trains are hard to judge in speed and distance and cannot stop quickly, so never try to beat one.

What to remember for the test

Remember the round yellow shape is used only for railroad advance warning. It means slow down and be prepared to stop, and never try to beat a train.

Commonly Confused With

Other Warning Signs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Railroad Advance Warning mean?

You are within a few hundred feet of a railroad crossing. Slow down and be prepared to stop.

What shape and color is the Railroad Advance Warning?

The Railroad Advance Warning uses the Diamond shape and Yellow with black coloring.

Practice Road Sign Questions

Test your knowledge of road signs with free DMV practice tests.