Tracks out of service sign: what it means

TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE sign: a white square with the words TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE in black
Drawing: Drivoku, based on MUTCD sign R8-9. Simplified; real signs follow the FHWA Standard Highway Signs specifications.

The TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE sign means the railroad tracks at this crossing are no longer in use. It replaces the crossbuck while the tracks are still there.

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What does the TRACKS OUT OF SERVICE sign mean?

MUTCD Section 8B.08 says it may be used at a grade crossing instead of a Crossbuck where the tracks have been temporarily or permanently abandoned, until they are removed or covered. The signals and gates must then be removed, hooded or turned away.

Quick quiz

What does the sign at the top of this page mean?

  1. The tracks at this crossing are not in use.
  2. A railroad crossing: yield to trains.
  3. Some vehicles need not stop here.

Show answer

A. The tracks at this crossing are not in use. The tracks at the crossing are abandoned (MUTCD Section 8B.08). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 8, Traffic Control for Railroad and Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings: Section 8B.08, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

Where will you see it?

At railroad crossings on lines no longer in use.

What should you do?

Cross with normal care. The tracks can still be bumpy, so slow down if needed.

What do people get wrong?

Assuming every crossing without lights is out of service. Only this sign says so.

Common questions

What happens to the signals and gates?

Section 8B.08 says they must be removed, or the signal heads hooded or turned away, so it is clear they are not working.

Is there still an emergency phone sign?

Section 8B.08 says the Emergency Notification System sign stays at the crossing until the tracks are removed.

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Sources

Checked on 4 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Section 8B.08.

  1. MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 8, Traffic Control for Railroad and Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings: Section 8B.08, 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.

This text was written with AI help, checked against the MUTCD and approved by Fri Vei AS. Last updated .

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