Indiana Railroad Crossing Laws

How Indiana handles grade crossings

Indiana matches the federal rule and writes it out. Vehicles carrying passengers for hire, school or private buses with passengers, and trucks hauling explosives or flammable liquids must stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, listen through an open window, and cross in one gear without shifting (Ind. Code §9-21-12-5). Other CMVs slow and check. It is a Class C infraction up to $500, plus a 60-day FMCSA CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51).

Who stops, how far, and the CDL risk

• Who must stop: Placarded + buses
• Stop distance: Not less than 15 feet and not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail (Ind. Code §9-21-12-5), the same band as the federal rule (49 CFR 392.10).
• Clearance rule: Do not start across without room to finish. Indiana law tells you to cross in one gear and never shift gears while any part of the vehicle is on the tracks (Ind. Code §9-21-12-5); the federal rule matches (49 CFR 392.10).
• Fine & CDL disqualification: A grade-crossing violation is a Class C infraction in Indiana, up to $500; a knowing or intentional violation climbs to a Class B misdemeanor (Ind. Code §9-21-12-5). FMCSA then disqualifies your CDL under 49 CFR 383.51: 60 days first, 120 days second within 3 years, and at least a year third.

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