Nebraska Railroad Crossing Laws
Nebraska keeps to the federal line. Placarded hazmat vehicles stop at every grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,173); passenger and school buses stop under the federal rule too (49 CFR 392.10). Other trucks slow and check the tracks first (392.11). Never enter without room to clear the crossing. The fine runs about $100, then FMCSA adds a CDL disqualification of 60 days to a year (49 CFR 383.51).
How Nebraska handles grade crossings
Nebraska keeps to the federal line. Placarded hazmat vehicles stop at every grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,173); passenger and school buses stop under the federal rule too (49 CFR 392.10). Other trucks slow and check the tracks first (392.11). Never enter without room to clear the crossing. The fine runs about $100, 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: Not more than 50 feet, not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,173), matching the federal figure (49 CFR 392.10).
- Clearance rule: Do not drive onto the crossing without room to pass completely over the tracks without stopping. Choose a gear that clears the whole crossing and do not shift on the rails.
- Fine & CDL disqualification: About $100 under the Nebraska waiver/fine schedule for the traffic infraction. 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).
Nebraska Railroad Crossing FAQ
Which trucks must stop at railroad crossings in Nebraska?
How far from the tracks do I stop in Nebraska?
What is the clearance rule at a Nebraska crossing?
What does a railroad crossing violation cost in Nebraska?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-6,173. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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