Railroad signs · R15-2P
Number of Tracks sign
Archive file: R15-02P Number of Tracks (Plaque)/R15-02P Number of Tracks (Plaque) 13.5x9.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
The numeral tells how many tracks cross the road.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 8B.03, paragraph 06, PDF page 1034.
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Meaning
Number of Tracks is a companion plaque giving the count of railway tracks at the crossing. It does not count trains currently approaching. The extra tracks matter because a train on one can block your view of a train approaching on another.
What to do
Oregon tells drivers to check for a second train from either direction at a multiple-track crossing. Do not treat the departure of the first train as proof that the whole crossing is clear. Keep checking all of the tracks before proceeding safely.
Where it is used
The federal standard mounts this inverted-T plaque below the crossbuck when a crossing has at least two tracks. Its placement makes the number part of the crossing assembly, not a separate instruction about distance or speed. Read it before judging how many possible rail approaches you need to check.
A sign to tell apart
The crossbuck identifies the railway crossing; the Number of Tracks plaque adds its track count. A bare crossbuck and a multi-track assembly both demand attention to rail traffic. The plaque gives extra layout information, rather than changing how quickly you may race through the crossing.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. In Oregon, what does the numbered plaque below a railroad crossbuck indicate?
- The number of tracks at the crossing.
- The number of trains guaranteed to pass today.
- The distance in miles to the station.
Answer: A. The number of tracks at the crossing.
The number describes the crossing’s tracks. It does not predict train traffic.
2. One train clears an Oregon crossing with multiple tracks. What should you check before crossing?
- Only whether the first train has stopped sounding its horn.
- Only the track the first train used.
- Whether another train is approaching on another track from either direction.
Answer: C. Whether another train is approaching on another track from either direction.
A first train can obscure another one. Check the other tracks and proceed only when it is safe.
State source coverage
Handbook coverage and sample questions do not prove that a sign will appear on your exam. Even a published test scope cannot guarantee an individual exam question.
Oregon
Handbook coverage
Oregon’s driver manual explicitly discusses this sign. This establishes handbook coverage, without a promise about any individual exam.
State variations
State-specific variations have not been independently established for this study.
Verified question coverage
These free state-bank questions were independently verified. This does not establish complete state-bank readiness, app availability or what will appear on your permit exam.
California
1 free question uses this sign in Steerlet's verified question data.
California permit sources · General California permit practice (does not include this sign)
The linked 20-question permit quizzes do not currently include this sign.
This meaning is a federal MUTCD reference. Check your state's handbook for its rules and sign coverage; this page does not establish what appears on a state permit exam.
Try the free road sign quiz or find your state's handbook.
