Colorado Railroad Crossing Laws
School buses carrying children, placarded hazmat loads, and commercial buses carrying passengers must stop at every Colorado grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (C.R.S. 42-4-707; 49 CFR 392.10). When you stop, keep right and don't form two lanes unless the road is marked for four or more. Other trucks slow and check (49 CFR 392.11). The ticket is a class A traffic infraction, $15 to $100, but the stacked CDL disqualification is the real cost, 60 days and up (49 CFR 383.51).
How Colorado handles grade crossings
School buses carrying children, placarded hazmat loads, and commercial buses carrying passengers must stop at every Colorado grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (C.R.S. 42-4-707; 49 CFR 392.10). When you stop, keep right and don't form two lanes unless the road is marked for four or more. Other trucks slow and check (49 CFR 392.11). The ticket is a class A traffic infraction, $15 to $100, but the stacked CDL disqualification is the real cost, 60 days and up (49 CFR 383.51).
Who stops, how far, and the CDL risk
- Who must stop: Placarded + buses
- Stop distance: Stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail (C.R.S. 42-4-707), the federal window (49 CFR 392.10). Keep to the right and do not form two lanes unless the road is marked for four or more.
- Clearance rule: Do not enter unless the far side is open enough to drive completely through without stopping, and do not shift gears on the tracks. The rule does not apply at a signed 'exempt' crossing or a business-district streetcar track (C.R.S. 42-4-707).
- Fine & CDL disqualification: A crossing-stop violation is a class A traffic infraction in Colorado, a fine of $15 to $100 plus surcharges (C.R.S. 42-4-707, 42-4-1701). The FMCSA CDL disqualification dwarfs it and stacks on top: 60 days first, 120 days for a second within 3 years, at least a year for a third (49 CFR 383.51).
Colorado Railroad Crossing FAQ
Which trucks must stop at railroad crossings in Colorado?
How far from the tracks do I stop in Colorado?
What is the clearance rule at a Colorado crossing?
What does a railroad crossing violation cost in Colorado?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-42-vehicles-and-traffic/co-rev-st-sect-42-4-707/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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