At an uncontrolled railroad crossing, the speed limit is:

• A. 10 mph
• B. 12 mph
• C. 20 mph
• D. 15 mph

Answer: (D)

Approaching an uncontrolled railroad crossing, you must slow to a safe, controlled speed so you can observe tracks, listen for an approaching train, and stop if one is coming. No gates or lights mean you can’t rely on warning signals, so you need enough time to react and stop before you reach the tracks. That’s why the limit is set to 15 mph—a lower speed helps ensure you have the clearance and stopping distance needed to cross safely when visibility or train timing is uncertain. If you’re ever unsure whether you can stop in time, don’t cross. Higher speeds would make it harder to stop quickly enough if a train appears.