What is a passive railroad crossing?

A passive railroad crossing is defined as a crossing that lacks active traffic control devices such as traffic lights or signals. Instead, it relies on signs that provide warnings to drivers about the upcoming tracks. At these crossings, drivers must be alert and look for trains, as there are no automatic controls to help them.

The presence of warning signs can be helpful in indicating the potential for train traffic, but the crucial aspect of a passive crossing is that there are no mechanisms that actively direct or control the flow of traffic. This distinction is important for drivers to understand as they must exercise extra caution when approaching passive crossings, as there is a greater responsibility placed on them to yield to any oncoming trains.