Railroad crossings represent critical intersections where roadways and rail lines meet, requiring specific vehicles to make mandatory stops to ensure public safety. This comprehensive guide examines which vehicles must stop at railroad crossings, why these regulations exist, and the proper procedures for crossing safely.
Commercial and Passenger-Carrying Vehicles
School buses, whether carrying students or empty, must stop at all railroad crossings. This requirement exists in all 50 states and is one of the most strictly enforced railroad crossing regulations. The process requires drivers to stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail, open the driver’s window and entrance door, look and listen for approaching trains, and close the entrance door before proceeding when safe.
Commercial buses designed to carry 16 or more passengers must also stop at railroad crossings. This category encompasses interstate passenger carriers, city transit buses, charter buses, tour buses, and private passenger buses. The regulations apply regardless of whether the bus is currently carrying passengers.
Vehicles carrying hazardous materials that require DOT placarding must stop at all railroad crossings. This includes fuel tankers, chemical transport vehicles, explosive materials carriers, and radioactive material transporters. Any vehicle displaying hazmat placards falls under this requirement, ensuring extra precaution when transporting potentially dangerous materials across rail lines.
State-Specific Requirements
While federal regulations mandate stops for certain vehicles, states may impose additional requirements. Many states require stops for vehicles carrying chlorine, those transporting bulk explosives, and tank vehicles used to transport hazardous materials, whether loaded or empty. Some jurisdictions also require public utility company vehicles to stop at crossings, reflecting local safety considerations and historical incidents.
Proper Stopping Procedures
The approach preparation phase is crucial for safe railroad crossing. Drivers must slow down well in advance, check traffic behind their vehicle, and activate hazard lights if necessary. In multi-lane roads, changing lanes might be required to avoid sudden stops that could endanger following traffic.
When stopping, vehicles must position themselves between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail. On multi-track crossings, drivers must ensure their vehicle can clear all tracks before proceeding. Stopping on the tracks is strictly forbidden, and drivers must verify adequate space exists on the other side before crossing.
During the safety check phase, drivers should turn off all fans, radios, and noisy equipment that might interfere with hearing an approaching train. Opening the driver’s window (and door if required) allows for better observation. Drivers must look and listen in both directions, check for signals and warning devices, and remain alert for a second train after the first passes.
The actual crossing procedure requires careful attention. Drivers should cross only when all tracks are clear and it’s safe to do so. The crossing should be made in a gear that won’t require shifting, and the vehicle shouldn’t stop until completely clear of all tracks. For vehicles with trailers, drivers must verify that the trailer clears the tracks entirely.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Certain situations may exempt otherwise required vehicles from stopping. Some jurisdictions allow exemptions at crossings with traffic signals, police officers directing traffic, or railroad flaggers present. Crossings marked with “Exempt” signs may also allow certain vehicles to proceed without stopping.
Properly marked abandoned railroad tracks, tracks clearly marked as industrial or spur lines that are not in use, and tracks in railroad yards where authorized by the railroad may also be exempt from mandatory stopping requirements.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
The penalties for failing to stop at railroad crossings when required are severe. Federal penalties can include civil fines up to $2,750 for drivers and company fines up to $11,000. Drivers may face suspension of their commercial driver’s license and points added to their driving record.
State penalties often include additional fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory safety courses, and increased insurance rates. In cases where accidents occur, drivers might face criminal charges.
Safety Statistics and Rationale
The implementation of mandatory stop requirements has led to remarkable safety improvements. Railroad crossing accidents have decreased by 80% since these requirements were put in place. This significant reduction reflects the effectiveness of these safety measures.
The physics of train operation underscore the importance of these requirements. The average freight train traveling at 55 mph requires a mile or more to stop. Furthermore, a vehicle-train collision is 40 times more likely to result in fatalities than a vehicle-vehicle crash. Even when signals aren’t operating, trains can appear at any time, making vigilance essential.
Best Practices Beyond Legal Requirements
Safety experts recommend cautious approaching behavior for all drivers, not just those legally required to stop. Drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop, never race a train to the crossing, and never rely solely on warning devices. Every crossing should be treated as potentially dangerous.
Visual awareness plays a crucial role in crossing safety. Drivers should look both ways multiple times and remember that trains can approach from either direction. The apparent speed of an approaching train can be deceiving, as trains often appear to be moving slower than their actual speed.
Vehicle-specific considerations matter significantly. Drivers should ensure adequate ground clearance for low-riding vehicles and be particularly cautious with manual transmission vehicles. Those towing or carrying heavy loads should consider stopping voluntarily, and all drivers should maintain extra space between vehicles when stopping.
Emergency Procedures
When a vehicle stalls on the tracks, immediate evacuation is essential. Occupants should move away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle toward approaching trains, as this direction provides the safest escape route from flying debris if a collision occurs. Contacting emergency services and locating the emergency notification sign at the crossing should follow evacuation.
Signs of track or signal malfunction should be reported to the railroad immediately, followed by contacting local law enforcement. Crossing should not be attempted until authorized, and drivers must watch for approaching trains regardless of signal indication.
Final Thoughts
The requirement for certain vehicles to stop at railroad crossings represents a crucial safety measure that has significantly reduced accidents and saved countless lives. While these regulations may seem inconvenient, they serve an essential purpose in protecting both the vehicles required to stop and the trains they encounter.
For commercial drivers and operators of vehicles required to stop, maintaining strict compliance with these regulations is not just a legal obligation but a professional responsibility that helps ensure the safety of all road users. By following proper procedures and remaining vigilant at railroad crossings, drivers can continue to contribute to the declining trend in railroad crossing accidents and maintain the safety of our transportation infrastructure.