CDL Tanker Endorsement Practice Exam

If your vehicle is placarded, how far must you stop before a railroad crossing?

1. 5 to 10 feet

2. 15 to 50 feet

3. 25 to 30 feet

4. 10 to 15 feet

The correct answer is: 15 to 50 feet

When a vehicle is placarded, it indicates that it is transporting hazardous materials. Due to the potential dangers associated with such materials, there are specific safety regulations in place to protect both the driver and the public. The requirement to stop 15 to 50 feet before a railroad crossing for vehicles that are placarded is rooted in the need to ensure that the driver can observe any approaching trains while also allowing sufficient space for the vehicle to be clear of the tracks. This stopping distance gives the driver enough time to assess the situation at the crossing and act appropriately, while also preventing the vehicle from being positioned in a location where it could potentially be struck by a train. The wider range of 15 to 50 feet accommodates the varied configurations and sizes of railroad crossings, ensuring a higher standard of safety for those transporting hazardous materials. For vehicles that are not placarded, the stopping distance can differ, as the risks would not be as significant as those posed by hazardous materials. This highlights the additional precautions mandated for placarded vehicles, reinforcing the importance of safety in the transportation of potentially dangerous cargo.