Oregon Railroad Crossing Laws
Oregon's list of high-risk vehicles is broad: school buses, church and nonprofit passenger vehicles, commercial buses, and hazmat or tank loads. Those stop 15 to 50 feet out (ORS 811.460), look both ways, and cross in one gear. Ordinary non-placarded trucks slow and confirm the tracks are clear (49 CFR 392.11). The Class B violation runs a $265 presumptive fine, and a conviction triggers a 60-day-plus CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51).
How Oregon handles grade crossings
Oregon's list of high-risk vehicles is broad: school buses, church and nonprofit passenger vehicles, commercial buses, and hazmat or tank loads. Those stop 15 to 50 feet out (ORS 811.460), look both ways, and cross in one gear. Ordinary non-placarded trucks slow and confirm the tracks are clear (49 CFR 392.11). The Class B violation runs a $265 presumptive fine, and a conviction triggers a 60-day-plus CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51).
Who stops, how far, and the CDL risk
- Who must stop: Placarded + buses
- Stop distance: Not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail (ORS 811.460). Matches the federal 15-to-50-foot window in 49 CFR 392.10.
- Clearance rule: Never roll onto the tracks without space to drive completely clear on the far side. ORS 811.460 requires crossing in a gear you will not have to change, so no shifting while on the rails.
- Fine & CDL disqualification: Class B traffic violation, $265 presumptive fine (range $135 to $1,000) (ORS 811.460; ORS 153.019). The FMCSA CDL disqualification stacks on top under 49 CFR 383.51: 60 days first offense, 120 days second within 3 years, 1 year third.
Oregon Railroad Crossing FAQ
Which trucks must stop at railroad crossings in Oregon?
How far from the tracks do I stop in Oregon?
What is the clearance rule at a Oregon crossing?
What does a railroad crossing violation cost in Oregon?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_811.460. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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