Wyoming Railroad Crossing Laws
Passengers-for-hire buses, school buses loaded or empty, and placarded hazmat loads must stop at every Wyoming grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (Wyo. Stat. 31-5-511, 31-18-605; 49 CFR 392.10). Wyoming makes a passenger or placarded driver flip on the four-way flashers before stopping, then cross without shifting gears (31-18-605). Every other truck slows and checks (49 CFR 392.11). A conviction triggers a stacked CDL disqualification of 60 days or more (49 CFR 383.51).
A detail here is flagged medium confidence — confirm with the state DMV or the FMCSA rule before you rely on it.
How Wyoming handles grade crossings
Passengers-for-hire buses, school buses loaded or empty, and placarded hazmat loads must stop at every Wyoming grade crossing, 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail (Wyo. Stat. 31-5-511, 31-18-605; 49 CFR 392.10). Wyoming makes a passenger or placarded driver flip on the four-way flashers before stopping, then cross without shifting gears (31-18-605). Every other truck slows and checks (49 CFR 392.11). A conviction triggers a stacked CDL disqualification of 60 days or more (49 CFR 383.51).
Who stops, how far, and the CDL risk
- Who must stop: Placarded + buses
- Stop distance: Stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail (Wyo. Stat. 31-18-605), the federal window (49 CFR 392.10). Wyoming adds a step for passenger and placarded drivers: switch on your four-way hazard flashers before you stop.
- Clearance rule: Do not enter unless you can cross completely without stopping, and cross the tracks without manually shifting gears (Wyo. Stat. 31-18-605). Never go around a lowered gate.
- Fine & CDL disqualification: A grade-crossing violation is a misdemeanor under Wyoming's traffic code (Wyo. Stat. 31-5-511); expect a fine plus court costs. Federal law adds the real penalty: an FMCSA CDL disqualification of 60 days for a first offense, 120 days for a second within 3 years, and at least a year for a third (49 CFR 383.51), on top of the state fine.
Wyoming Railroad Crossing FAQ
Which trucks must stop at railroad crossings in Wyoming?
How far from the tracks do I stop in Wyoming?
What is the clearance rule at a Wyoming crossing?
What does a railroad crossing violation cost in Wyoming?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/2022/title-31/chapter-18/article-6/section-31-18-605/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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