Kansas Railroad Crossing Laws
Kansas follows FMCSA by rule. Placarded hazmat vehicles and passenger and school buses stop at every grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, and cross in a gear that needs no shift (K.S.A. 8-1553). Skip the stop only for an officer, a green light, or a marked exempt line. Other trucks slow and check (392.11). The uniform fine runs about $195 plus costs, then FMCSA adds a CDL disqualification of 60 days to a year (49 CFR 383.51).
How Kansas handles grade crossings
Kansas follows FMCSA by rule. Placarded hazmat vehicles and passenger and school buses stop at every grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, and cross in a gear that needs no shift (K.S.A. 8-1553). Skip the stop only for an officer, a green light, or a marked exempt line. Other trucks slow and check (392.11). The uniform fine runs about $195 plus costs, then FMCSA adds a CDL disqualification of 60 days to a year (49 CFR 383.51).
Who stops, how far, and the CDL risk
- Who must stop: Placarded + buses
- Stop distance: Within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail (K.S.A. 8-1553), the same window as the federal rule (49 CFR 392.10).
- Clearance rule: Do not enter without room to drive completely across without stopping. Cross in a gear that needs no change and do not shift gears on the tracks (K.S.A. 8-1553).
- Fine & CDL disqualification: About $195 plus court costs under the Kansas uniform fine schedule (K.S.A. 8-2118). The FMCSA CDL disqualification stacks on top: at least 60 days for a first offense, 120 days for a second within 3 years, and 1 year for a third (49 CFR 383.51).
Kansas Railroad Crossing FAQ
Which trucks must stop at railroad crossings in Kansas?
How far from the tracks do I stop in Kansas?
What is the clearance rule at a Kansas crossing?
What does a railroad crossing violation cost in Kansas?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_015_0053.html. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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