A highway-rail grade crossing is a location where a public or private road intersects with one or more railroad tracks at the same level. These crossings are marked with specific signage, such as crossbucks or stop signs, to alert drivers and pedestrians of the railroad's presence. Each crossing is assigned a unique U.S. DOT National Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Inventory Number for identification.
This term is commonly used in transportation law and safety regulations. Highway-rail grade crossings are subject to federal and state regulations to ensure safety for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Legal practitioners may encounter this term in cases involving accidents at crossings, liability issues, and compliance with safety standards. Users can manage related legal documents and forms through resources like US Legal Forms.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A driver approaches a highway-rail grade crossing marked with crossbucks. They must stop and look for oncoming trains before proceeding.
Example 2: A pedestrian uses a designated pathway at a grade crossing to safely cross the tracks while following posted safety signs. (hypothetical example)
Major regulations governing highway-rail grade crossings include:
| State | Specific Regulations |
|---|---|
| California | Requires additional safety measures at crossings with high traffic. |
| Texas | Mandates warning signals at all public crossings. |
| Florida | Imposes fines for failure to comply with crossing signals. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Grade Separation | A crossing where the road and railroad tracks do not intersect at the same level. | Highway-rail grade crossings occur at the same level, while grade separations do not. |
| Railroad Crossing | General term for any intersection of a railroad and a roadway. | Highway-rail grade crossings specifically refer to at-grade crossings. |
If you encounter a highway-rail grade crossing, always approach with caution. Ensure you stop and look for trains before crossing. If involved in an incident at a crossing, consider consulting a legal professional for advice. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates to help with any legal documentation related to crossing incidents.
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Stop and wait until the train has passed before crossing the tracks.