Railroad Crossings
Required stops and what to do if stuck.
14.1 Crossing procedures
- Buses and placarded hazmat vehicles (and some others) must stop 15–50 feet from the nearest rail.
- Never shift gears while crossing the tracks.
- Make sure there is room for your entire vehicle on the far side before you start across.
- Watch for low-ground-clearance ("humped") crossings.
Warning: If your vehicle is stuck or stalled on the tracks, get everyone out and away immediately. Call the number on the blue-and-white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at the crossing, then 911.
Source: FMCSA — 49 CFR Part 392 — Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles (eCFR current), 49 CFR 392.10, 392.11. Updated: 2026-10-09