Section 4511.62 | Stopping at railroad grade crossing.
(A)(1) Whenever any person driving a vehicle or trackless trolley approaches a railroad grade crossing, the person shall stop within fifty feet, but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of the railroad if any of the following circumstances exist at the crossing:
(a) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a train or other on-track equipment.
(b) A crossing gate is lowered.
(c) A flagperson gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a train or other on-track equipment.
(d) There is insufficient space on the other side of the railroad grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle or trackless trolley the person is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles, trackless trolleys, pedestrians, or railroad trains, notwithstanding any traffic control signal indication to proceed.
(e) An approaching train is emitting an audible signal or is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.
(f) There is insufficient undercarriage clearance to safely negotiate the crossing.
(g) There is insufficient space on the other side of the railroad grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle or trackless trolley the person is operating without obstructing the passage of other on-track equipment.
(h) Approaching on-track equipment is emitting an audible signal or is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.
(2)(a) A person who is driving a vehicle or trackless trolley and who approaches a railroad grade crossing shall not proceed as long as any of the circumstances described in divisions (A)(1)(a) to (f) of this section exist at the crossing.
(b) A person who is driving a vehicle or trackless trolley and who approaches a railroad grade crossing shall not recklessly proceed as long as any of the circumstances described in division (A)(1)(g) or (h) of this section exist at the crossing.
(B) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed unless the person is signaled by a law enforcement officer or flagperson that it is permissible to do so.
(C)(1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(2) In lieu of a fine or jail term for a violation of this section, a court may instead order the offender to attend and successfully complete a remedial safety training or presentation regarding rail safety that is offered by an authorized and qualified organization that is selected by the court. The offender shall complete the presentation within a time frame determined by the court, not to exceed one hundred eighty days after the court issues the order. The offender shall notify the court of the successful completion of the presentation. When the offender notifies the court of the successful completion of the presentation, the court shall waive any fine or jail term that it otherwise would have imposed for a violation of this section.
Last updated January 28, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Available Versions of this Section
- January 1, 2004 – House Bill 95 - 125th General Assembly [ View January 1, 2004 Version ]
- April 9, 2025 – Amended by House Bill 29 - 135th General Assembly [ View April 9, 2025 Version ]
- June 30, 2025 – Amended by House Bill 54 - 136th General Assembly [ View June 30, 2025 Version ]