What is a passive railroad crossing?

A passive railroad crossing refers to a crossing that does not have any active traffic control devices, such as flashing lights or gates, to alert drivers of an oncoming train. At these crossings, drivers are expected to exercise caution, look for trains, and make their own judgment about whether it’s safe to proceed or necessary to stop. This situation requires the driver to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, as there may be limited or no visual or auditory warnings about an approaching train.

In contrast, a crossing with flashing lights and gates indicates an active railroad crossing, where additional safety measures are present to help manage traffic. Other incorrect answers focus on characteristics that aren't defining features of a passive crossing; a busy intersection, for instance, may involve many vehicles but does not pertain to railroad crossings, while a crossing that is only open during certain hours introduces time limitations that aren't relevant to the classification of passive versus active controls.