North Dakota Railroad Crossing Laws
North Dakota mirrors the federal rule. Buses with passengers, school buses, and vehicles hauling chlorine or placarded hazmat stop at every grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (NDCC 39-10-43). A plain dry van does not stop; it slows and checks the track first (49 CFR 392.11). Never enter without room to clear the crossing. The state fee is small, near $20, but FMCSA adds a CDL disqualification of 60 days to a year (49 CFR 383.51).
A detail here is flagged medium confidence — confirm with the state DMV or the FMCSA rule before you rely on it.
How North Dakota handles grade crossings
North Dakota mirrors the federal rule. Buses with passengers, school buses, and vehicles hauling chlorine or placarded hazmat stop at every grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (NDCC 39-10-43). A plain dry van does not stop; it slows and checks the track first (49 CFR 392.11). Never enter without room to clear the crossing. The state fee is small, near $20, but 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. That is the North Dakota figure (NDCC 39-10-43) and the federal window (49 CFR 392.10).
- Clearance rule: Never drive onto the crossing unless the far side is open and you can pass completely over the tracks without stopping. Pick one gear that clears the whole crossing and do not shift on the rails.
- Fine & CDL disqualification: A noncriminal traffic offense with a small statutory fee, roughly $20 and no license points (ND State Patrol classification of offenses for NDCC 39-10-43). The FMCSA CDL disqualification is the real hit: 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).
North Dakota Railroad Crossing FAQ
Which trucks must stop at railroad crossings in North Dakota?
How far from the tracks do I stop in North Dakota?
What is the clearance rule at a North Dakota crossing?
What does a railroad crossing violation cost in North Dakota?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t39c10.pdf. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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