What does the X-shaped railway crossing sign mean?
Railway tracks cross the road ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop
This X-shaped crossbuck marks a railway crossing. Slow down, listen and look both ways for trains, and be prepared to stop. If a train is coming, stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail or gate.
Why the other answers are wrong
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Two roads cross at an unmarked intersection ahead
An intersection ahead gets its own yellow diamond warning, and its arrow tells you which traffic goes first. This X-shaped sign is the one Ontario uses to mark railway tracks crossing the road.
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A pedestrian crossing is ahead
Crossovers have their own signs plus overhead yellow lights and painted lines on the road. This X-shaped sign stands at the tracks themselves, so what is ahead is a train route, not a walkway.
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The lanes ahead cross over each other
Lane changes are shown on yellow diamond signs with black lines, like the merge and right lane ends warnings. This X-shaped sign is used at railway crossings, so what crosses the road here is a set of tracks.
Quick way to remember
The big "X" shape only ever means one kind of crossing.
Based on the official Ontario MTO Driver's Handbook.
Reading it once is not enough
Drill this question in a scored round and find out what else you are shaky on.
Practise Road Signs: The Basics
