South Carolina Railroad Crossing Laws

How South Carolina handles grade crossings

South Carolina writes the federal rule straight into its code: every passenger bus, DHEC hazardous-waste vehicle, and any truck that 49 CFR 392.10 makes stop must halt 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (S.C. Code §56-5-2720). Cross in one gear; no shifting on the rails. Other CMVs slow and check. The state fine tops out at $25, but don't relax: a conviction still triggers the 60-day FMCSA CDL disqualification, 120 days for a repeat (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 (S.C. Code §56-5-2720), matching federal 49 CFR 392.10.
• Clearance rule: Don't enter unless you can clear the crossing completely without stopping. Cross in one gear and don't manually shift while on the tracks (S.C. Code §56-5-2720). Never get boxed in on the rails.
• Fine & CDL disqualification: A misdemeanor with a state fine not exceeding $25 or up to 10 days (S.C. Code §56-5-2720). Tiny at the state level, but the federal hit is severe: an FMCSA CDL disqualification of at least 60 days for a first grade-crossing offense, 120 days for a second within 3 years, and 1 year for a third (49 CFR 383.51).

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