Oklahoma Railroad Crossing Laws

How Oklahoma handles grade crossings

Oklahoma writes the federal rule right into its statute. Any commercial vehicle under 49 CFR 390.5 must follow 49 CFR 392.10, so placarded hazmat trucks and passenger buses stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (47 O.S. § 11-702). Other CMVs slow and check (392.11). Cross in one gear, no shifting on the rails. A ticket is a Title 47 misdemeanor, and the FMCSA CDL disqualification, 60/120/365 days, stacks 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 — the federal window (49 CFR 392.10), and the same figures Oklahoma sets for buses (47 O.S. § 11-702).
• Clearance rule: Do not enter a crossing without room to drive all the way across and clear it, and never stop on the tracks. Cross in one gear and do not shift while any part of you is on the rails. A lowered gate, flashing lights, or a flagger means stop and stay stopped.
• Fine & CDL disqualification: Oklahoma writes a crossing violation as a Title 47 traffic misdemeanor, a fine from $5 to $500 with possible jail (47 O.S. § 17-101). The real cost is federal: FMCSA disqualifies your CDL at least 60 days for a first grade-crossing offense, 120 days for a second within 3 years, and a year for a third (49 CFR 383.51). That stacks on the state ticket and CSA points.

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