PermitPracticeTest
Menu

Number of Tracks plaque sign

Mounted below the Crossbuck when two or more tracks cross the road.

What to do

After one train passes, check again: another train may be coming on another track.

After one train passes, check again before crossing, because a second train may be coming on another track.

Where it's used

Section 8B.03 requires a Number of Tracks (R15-2P) plaque below the Crossbuck wherever two or more tracks cross the road, mounted as shown in Figure 8B-2 (described as an inverted T arrangement). It is a black-on-white plaque, 27 x 18 inches, showing a number and the word TRACKS. It forms part of the Crossbuck assembly at the crossing.

Don't confuse it with

  • Railroad Crossing (Crossbuck): The Crossbuck is the X-shaped sign marking the crossing; this plaque under it tells you how many tracks there are.
  • No Gates or Lights plaque: NO GATES OR LIGHTS is a yellow plaque under the advance warning sign, saying the crossing has no automatic warning.
Number of Tracks plaque sign
Type
Railroad crossing signs
Shape
Horizontal rectangle
Colors
white, black
MUTCD code
R15-2P
MUTCD section
8B.03

On state permit tests

Our questions for 11 states ask about this sign, including Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Mississippi.

Test yourself

What does a sign below a railroad crossbuck tell you? (Florida practice test)

  • The number of tracks when there is more than one
  • The speed of the train
  • The distance to the next crossing
  • The train schedule
Show answer

The number of tracks when there is more than one. A sign below the crossbuck shows the number of tracks if there is more than one.

At a crossing with more than one track, where is the number of tracks shown? (Illinois practice test)

  • On the gate arm
  • On the pavement
  • On a sign below the crossbuck
  • It isn't shown
Show answer

On a sign below the crossbuck. If the crossing has more than one track, the number of tracks is on a sign below the crossbuck.

More railroad crossing signs

Road signs testAll road signs

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th edition, section 8B.03. Sign image: public domain, source.