When is a motorist required to stop at a railroad crossing?

A motorist is required to stop at a railroad crossing when the lights are flashing or if a train is approaching because these signals indicate that it is unsafe to cross the tracks. The flashing lights serve as a clear warning that a train is either arriving or approaching the crossing, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure safety. Waiting for these signals helps prevent dangerous accidents that can occur if a vehicle proceeds onto the tracks when a train is present.

For a comprehensive understanding, it’s important to recognize that simply relying on visual confirmation of a train, such as seeing a train in the distance, is not enough. A train can approach quickly, and the sounds associated with it may not always be audible until it's too late. Additionally, a stop sign at a crossing typically indicates that a motorist must come to a halt regardless of other conditions, but the primary regulation for active railroad warning signals is the presence of flashing lights or an approaching train, which is the critical information needed for safe passage at these crossings.