You are approaching a railroad crossing with no warning devices and are unable to see 400 feet down the tracks in one direction. The speed limit is:
- 15 mph. ✓
- 20 mph.
- 25 mph.
Answer: A. 15 mph.
The speed limit is 15 mph when you approach a railroad crossing and cannot see the tracks for 400 feet.
Why this is the answer
The handbook sets 15 mph as the limit within 100 feet of a railroad crossing when your view of the tracks is blocked at 400 feet. It also notes you may go faster only if the crossing has gates, a warning signal, or a flagman. With no warning devices at the crossing you describe and a limited view down the tracks, the 15 mph limit applies, so you should slow to that speed before you reach the tracks.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. 20 mph. — The handbook gives no 20 mph speed limit for railroad crossings or for any other situation described here.
- C. 25 mph. — The 25 mph figure in the handbook is the limit within 500 feet of a school when children are outside, not the limit for a blind railroad crossing.
Remember it
Think of it as a visibility test: if you can't see 400 feet of track, the number on your speedometer should read 15.