Minnesota Railroad Crossing Laws
Minnesota writes the federal rule into statute. Buses, school buses, Head Start buses, and any vehicle that must stop under 49 CFR 392.10 stop at every grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (Minn. Stat. 169.28). Do not start across until you can clear the tracks with your rear 10 feet past the last rail. Other trucks slow and check (392.11). A violation is a misdemeanor, and FMCSA adds a CDL disqualification of 60 days to a year (49 CFR 383.51).
How Minnesota handles grade crossings
Minnesota writes the federal rule into statute. Buses, school buses, Head Start buses, and any vehicle that must stop under 49 CFR 392.10 stop at every grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (Minn. Stat. 169.28). Do not start across until you can clear the tracks with your rear 10 feet past the last rail. Other trucks slow and check (392.11). A violation is a misdemeanor, and 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: Not less than 15 feet, not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail (Minn. Stat. 169.28), the federal window (49 CFR 392.10).
- Clearance rule: Do not start across until the far side is clear enough to pass over the tracks without stopping, with the rear of your vehicle at least 10 feet past the farthest rail (Minn. Stat. 169.28). Cross in a single gear.
- Fine & CDL disqualification: A misdemeanor under Minn. Stat. 169.89 (up to $1,000 and 90 days for a chapter 169 violation with no other penalty set). 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).
Minnesota Railroad Crossing FAQ
Which trucks must stop at railroad crossings in Minnesota?
How far from the tracks do I stop in Minnesota?
What is the clearance rule at a Minnesota crossing?
What does a railroad crossing violation cost in Minnesota?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.28. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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