Massachusetts Railroad Crossing Laws

How Massachusetts handles grade crossings

Massachusetts names school buses and vehicles carrying explosives or flammable liquids: full stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, and a school bus driver opens the door to look and listen (M.G.L. c.90 § 15). Federal law adds passenger buses and all placarded hazmat (49 CFR 392.10). The state fine for a bus or hazmat driver is at least $500, and the FMCSA CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51) stacks: 60 days, 120, a year.

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 track (M.G.L. c.90 § 15; 49 CFR 392.10). A school bus driver also opens the service door, checks it's safe, and closes it before crossing.
• Clearance rule: Don't enter a crossing without room to drive completely through without stopping (49 CFR 392.10). Cross in one gear and don't shift gears on the tracks. Never sit boxed in on the rails, which is a disqualifying offense (49 CFR 383.51).
• Fine & CDL disqualification: At least $500, or 100 hours of community service, for a school-bus or explosive/flammable-cargo driver who violates the rule; $100 to $200 for other motorists (M.G.L. c.90 § 15). The FMCSA CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51) stacks on top: at least 60 days for a first violation, 120 days for a second within 3 years, and 1 year for a third.

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