If crossing gates are down at a railroad track, you may drive around the crossing gate only when?

• A. Never
• B. When the gate is up
• C. Only when the signals are flashing
• D. Only if a train is visible far away

Answer: (A)

When crossing gates are down, a train is or will be on the tracks, and you must not drive around them. The gates, lights, and bells are there to physically block vehicles and warn you that stopping is required. The only safe action is to stop before the crossing and wait until the gates are fully raised and the warning signals stop before proceeding.

None of the other scenarios are safe: a gate being up doesn’t guarantee the track is clear, the lights flashing simply indicate a warning, and a visible train far away can be closer than it appears or more trains could follow. The safe rule is to wait until the crossing is fully clear.