Vermont Railroad Crossing Laws

How Vermont handles grade crossings

Vermont requires the stop for buses carrying passengers for hire, school buses, and vehicles hauling explosives or flammable liquids, within 50 feet but no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail (23 V.S.A. § 1072). Look and listen, cross in one gear, don't shift on the tracks. A plain CMV slows and checks (49 CFR 392.11). Beyond the state fine and points, the FMCSA CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51) runs 60 days, 120, then a year.

Who stops, how far, and the CDL risk

• Who must stop: Placarded + buses
• Stop distance: Within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail (23 V.S.A. § 1072; 49 CFR 392.10). Look and listen both ways. Every driver also stops when a signal, gate, or approaching train warns (§ 1071).
• Clearance rule: Vermont's statute says cross so there's no need to change gears, and don't shift while on the tracks (23 V.S.A. § 1072). Don't enter unless you can clear the far side without stopping, and never drive around a lowered gate (§ 1071). Getting trapped on the rails is a disqualifying offense (49 CFR 383.51).
• Fine & CDL disqualification: A civil traffic violation with license points and a fine in the low hundreds set by the Judicial Bureau waiver schedule (23 V.S.A. § 1072); confirm the current amount with the Vermont DMV. 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.

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