West Virginia Railroad Crossing Laws
West Virginia puts placarded hazmat, chlorine loads, cargo-tank vehicles loaded or empty, and passenger and school buses on a mandatory stop at every crossing (W. Va. Code §17C-12-3). Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, look and listen, then clear the tracks in one gear. Other trucks slow and check (49 CFR 392.11). A violation is a misdemeanor: $100 or up to 10 days in jail. The CDL disqualification (60/120/365 days, 49 CFR 383.51) stacks on top.
How West Virginia handles grade crossings
West Virginia puts placarded hazmat, chlorine loads, cargo-tank vehicles loaded or empty, and passenger and school buses on a mandatory stop at every crossing (W. Va. Code §17C-12-3). Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, look and listen, then clear the tracks in one gear. Other trucks slow and check (49 CFR 392.11). A violation is a misdemeanor: $100 or up to 10 days in jail. The CDL disqualification (60/120/365 days, 49 CFR 383.51) stacks on top.
Who stops, how far, and the CDL risk
- Who must stop: Placarded + buses
- Stop distance: Not less than 15 feet, not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail (49 CFR 392.10; W. Va. Code §17C-12-3 matches it).
- Clearance rule: Do not enter a crossing unless the far side is open and you can drive completely across without stopping; getting boxed in on the rails is a top-cited, disqualifying violation (49 CFR 392.11, 383.51). Cross in one low gear and never shift while any part of the rig is on the tracks. Heed low-ground-clearance signs so a lowboy or step-deck does not high-center.
- Fine & CDL disqualification: A misdemeanor: a $100 fine or up to 10 days in jail (W. Va. Code §17C-12-3). Separately, the FMCSA CDL disqualification (49 CFR 383.51) is at least 60 days for a first offense, 120 days for a second within 3 years, and 1 year for a third.
West Virginia Railroad Crossing FAQ
Which trucks must stop at railroad crossings in West Virginia?
How far from the tracks do I stop in West Virginia?
What is the clearance rule at a West Virginia crossing?
What does a railroad crossing violation cost in West Virginia?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://code.wvlegislature.gov/17C-12-3/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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