New Jersey Railroad Crossing Laws

How New Jersey handles grade crossings

New Jersey requires the stop for buses carrying more than six passengers, school buses with children aboard, and vehicles hauling explosives or flammable liquids, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (N.J.S.A. 39:4-128). Look, listen, cross in one gear, no shifting. Other CMVs slow and check (49 CFR 392.11; N.J.S.A. 39:4-128.11). The state fine is small, up to $50 or $100, but the FMCSA CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51) is the real hit: 60 days, 120, a year.

Who stops, how far, and the CDL risk

• Who must stop: Placarded + buses
• Stop distance: 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (N.J.S.A. 39:4-128; 49 CFR 392.10). Stop once, listen and look in both directions, then cross. A crossing marked "Exempt" removes the mandatory stop.
• Clearance rule: New Jersey's statute says cross in one gear with no shifting while on the tracks (N.J.S.A. 39:4-128). Don't enter a crossing unless you can drive completely through without stopping (N.J.S.A. 39:4-128.11). Never follow traffic onto the rails and get trapped, which is a disqualifying offense (49 CFR 383.51).
• Fine & CDL disqualification: Up to $50 for a first offense and up to $100 for a second, with up to 30 days in jail (N.J.S.A. 39:4-128). The state ticket is minor. 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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