Rhode Island Railroad Crossing Laws
Rhode Island does codify the always-stop: buses for hire, school buses with a child, and explosive or flammable-liquid loads stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-4), though that duty is lifted at crossings inside business or residence districts. For general placarded hazmat the broader federal rule governs (49 CFR 392.10). Other CMVs slow and check (392.11). A conviction adds the FMCSA CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51): 60 days, 120, then a year.
A detail here is flagged medium confidence — confirm with the state DMV or the FMCSA rule before you rely on it.
How Rhode Island handles grade crossings
Rhode Island does codify the always-stop: buses for hire, school buses with a child, and explosive or flammable-liquid loads stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-4), though that duty is lifted at crossings inside business or residence districts. For general placarded hazmat the broader federal rule governs (49 CFR 392.10). Other CMVs slow and check (392.11). A conviction adds the FMCSA CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51): 60 days, 120, then a year.
Who stops, how far, and the CDL risk
- Who must stop: Federal rule
- Stop distance: Not less than 15 feet and not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail (R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-4; 49 CFR 392.10). Stop once, look and listen both ways, then cross. Rhode Island's own always-stop for buses and explosive/flammable loads is lifted inside business or residence districts, but the federal stop for placarded hazmat still applies.
- Clearance rule: Never enter a crossing unless the far side is open and you can drive completely across without stopping (49 CFR 392.10). Cross in one gear and don't shift on the tracks. Rhode Island separately bars driving around a lowered gate or barrier (R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-2). Boxing in on the rails is a disqualifying offense (49 CFR 383.51).
- Fine & CDL disqualification: $100 for failing to stop at a railroad crossing when required (R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-1, fine schedule at § 31-41.1-4); driving around a lowered gate also carries $100 (§ 31-20-2). 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.
Rhode Island Railroad Crossing FAQ
Which trucks must stop at railroad crossings in Rhode Island?
How far from the tracks do I stop in Rhode Island?
What is the clearance rule at a Rhode Island crossing?
What does a railroad crossing violation cost in Rhode Island?
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://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE31/31-20/31-20-4.htm. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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