Michigan Railroad Crossing Laws

How Michigan handles grade crossings

Michigan spells out the federal rule. A bus of 16 or more people, any passenger-for-hire vehicle, and any truck placarded under 49 CFR must switch on the hazard flashers and stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, then look, listen, and cross in one gear (Mich. Comp. Laws §257.669). Other CMVs slow and check. It is a civil infraction, and FMCSA stacks a 60-day CDL disqualification 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, with the hazard flashers on (Mich. Comp. Laws §257.669), matching the federal rule (49 CFR 392.10).
• Clearance rule: Do not enter without room to clear the far side, and do not shift gears while crossing (Mich. Comp. Laws §257.669). Never drive through, around, or under a lowered gate (§257.667).
• Fine & CDL disqualification: A Michigan railroad-crossing violation is a civil infraction (Mich. Comp. Laws §257.667, §257.669), so the fine and court costs are set by the local court rather than a fixed statutory sum. The heavier hit is FMCSA: a CDL disqualification under 49 CFR 383.51 of 60 days first, 120 days second within 3 years, and at least a year third.

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