Alaska Railroad Crossing Laws
Alaska has little public railroad outside the Alaska Railroad, but the rule holds. A vehicle carrying passengers for hire, a school bus, or a truck hauling explosives or flammable liquids must stop, look, and listen before crossing (13 AAC 02.250); school buses flash amber for 300 feet first. For your CMV the federal 15-to-50-foot stop window governs (49 CFR 392.10), and other trucks slow and check (392.11). A conviction stacks the 60-day-plus CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51).
A detail here is flagged medium confidence — confirm with the state DMV or the FMCSA rule before you rely on it.
How Alaska handles grade crossings
Alaska has little public railroad outside the Alaska Railroad, but the rule holds. A vehicle carrying passengers for hire, a school bus, or a truck hauling explosives or flammable liquids must stop, look, and listen before crossing (13 AAC 02.250); school buses flash amber for 300 feet first. For your CMV the federal 15-to-50-foot stop window governs (49 CFR 392.10), and other trucks slow and check (392.11). A conviction stacks the 60-day-plus CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51).
Who stops, how far, and the CDL risk
- Who must stop: Placarded + buses
- Stop distance: For your CMV the federal window governs: not less than 15 and not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail (49 CFR 392.10). State reg 13 AAC 02.250 requires the listed vehicles to stop, look, and listen before crossing; school buses flash amber lights for 300 feet on approach.
- Clearance rule: Enter only with room to clear every track without stopping. Cross in a gear low enough to finish in one pull and do not shift gears while on the rails.
- Fine & CDL disqualification: Minor traffic offense; bail near $75 for a 13 AAC 02.250 violation (Alaska Uniform Minor Offense Table). The FMCSA CDL disqualification stacks under 49 CFR 383.51: 60 days first offense, 120 days second within 3 years, 1 year third.
Alaska Railroad Crossing FAQ
Which trucks must stop at railroad crossings in Alaska?
How far from the tracks do I stop in Alaska?
What is the clearance rule at a Alaska crossing?
What does a railroad crossing violation cost in Alaska?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/alaska/13-AAC-02-250. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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