Stop here when flashing sign: what it means

What does the STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING sign mean?

MUTCD Section 8B.09 says the STOP HERE WHEN FLASHING signs may be used at a grade crossing to show the stop line, or the point at which to stop, when the flashing-light signals are on.

Quick quiz

Railroad crossings

Question 1 of 1

1. Red lights are flashing at a railroad crossing, but the gate is still raised and you cannot see a train. No officer is directing traffic. What should you do?

   • A Stop before the tracks; wait until the lights stop and it is safe Right
   • B Cross slowly while watching for a train in both directions
   • C Continue across because the raised gate permits travel
   • D Stop only if a train becomes visible near the crossing

   The right answer is A: Stop before the tracks; wait until the lights stop and it is safe

   WhyFlashing crossing lights mean stop before the tracks; a raised gate does not cancel them.

   Source: UVC § 11-701(a) Obedience to signal indicating approach of train (model law)

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Where will you see it?

At railroad crossings with flashing-light signals, often where the stop point is not obvious.

What should you do?

When the lights flash, stop at the sign or the stop line, even if the gate is still up and you cannot see a train. Wait until the lights stop and it is safe.

What do people get wrong?

Driving across because the gate has not come down yet. Flashing red lights mean stop.

Common questions

Do I have to stop if the gate is up but the lights are flashing?

Yes. Stop at the stop point and wait until the lights stop and it is safe.

Where exactly should I stop?

At the stop line or the point the sign shows (MUTCD Section 8B.09).

Compare with

• Railroad crossbuck signA railroad crossing: yield to trains.
• Do not stop on tracks signNever stop on the railroad tracks.

Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.

Sources

Checked on 3 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Section 8B.09.

1. MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 8, Traffic Control for Railroad and Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings: Section 8B.09, FHWA
2. MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025

Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.