Louisiana Railroad Crossing Laws

How Louisiana handles grade crossings

Louisiana writes the federal rule into law. School buses (empty or full), passenger buses, and any CMV under 49 CFR 392.10 stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (La. R.S. 32:173.1). Other CMVs slow and check (392.11). Cross in one gear, no shifting mid-crossing. A signal violation costs up to $200 plus an Operation Lifesaver course on a first offense (R.S. 32:171), and the FMCSA CDL disqualification stacks on top (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 — the federal window (49 CFR 392.10), matched by Louisiana (La. R.S. 32:173.1). School buses stop whether or not any child is aboard.
• Clearance rule: Do not enter a crossing without room to drive all the way through and clear the tracks, and never stop on the rails. Cross in one gear and do not shift while crossing. A lowered gate, flashing lights, or a flagman means stop and stay stopped.
• Fine & CDL disqualification: Louisiana treats a crossing violation as a misdemeanor. A crossing-signal violation runs up to $200 plus a mandatory Operation Lifesaver course on a first offense, and up to $500 after that (La. R.S. 32:171). The FMCSA CDL disqualification stacks on top of any state fine: at least 60 days for a first grade-crossing offense, 120 days for a second within 3 years, and a year for a third (49 CFR 383.51).

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