Practice question

What distance is too far to stop before a railroad crossing?

  1. More than 40 feet
  2. More than 50 feet
  3. More than 60 feet
  4. More than 70 feet

Answer: B — More than 50 feet

The correct answer is that stopping more than 50 feet before a railroad crossing is considered too far. California law states that drivers must stop within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail of the railroad crossing when there are flashing warning lights or crossing gates. Stopping further away than 50 feet may not provide the necessary safety measures and situational awareness for drivers and passengers, particularly for school buses, as they must ensure the safety of children boarding or alighting. Stopping too far from the crossing could also lead to confusion for other drivers and cyclists, who may not anticipate the reason for the stop. Maintaining the correct stopping distance allows for optimal visibility and awareness of oncoming trains while ensuring the school bus can safely load or unload students in a controlled manner.

Practice more: California CHP School Bus Practice Test →