South Dakota Railroad Crossing Laws
South Dakota names it plainly. Buses for hire, school buses, nonprofit passenger vehicles, and explosive or flammable-liquid loads stop at every grade crossing, no more than 50 feet and not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail (SDCL 32-29-5, 32-29-7). Cross in one gear; do not shift on the tracks. Other trucks slow and never stop boxed in on the rails (SDCL 32-29-12). A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor, up to $500 and 30 days, and FMCSA adds a CDL disqualification of 60 days to a year (49 CFR 383.51).
How South Dakota handles grade crossings
South Dakota names it plainly. Buses for hire, school buses, nonprofit passenger vehicles, and explosive or flammable-liquid loads stop at every grade crossing, no more than 50 feet and not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail (SDCL 32-29-5, 32-29-7). Cross in one gear; do not shift on the tracks. Other trucks slow and never stop boxed in on the rails (SDCL 32-29-12). A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor, up to $500 and 30 days, and 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 more than 50 feet, and not less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail. SDCL 32-29-5 states 'within fifty feet'; the 15-foot floor comes from SDCL 32-29-7 and the federal rule (49 CFR 392.10).
- Clearance rule: Do not enter unless you can drive completely across without stopping, and never stop boxed in on the tracks (SDCL 32-29-12). Cross in one gear and do not shift gears while on the rails (SDCL 32-29-5).
- Fine & CDL disqualification: A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to $500 and up to 30 days (SDCL 32-29-5). The FMCSA CDL disqualification stacks on top: 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).
South Dakota Railroad Crossing FAQ
Which trucks must stop at railroad crossings in South Dakota?
How far from the tracks do I stop in South Dakota?
What is the clearance rule at a South Dakota crossing?
What does a railroad crossing violation cost in South 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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/32-29-5. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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