A railroad crossing is where the tracks cross perpendicular to a roadway, creating a break in the highway. A railroad crossing can be activated by guards using flags, flashing lights, and bells or by an automatic gate down the center of the tracks. When the lights flash or the gate is down, it is illegal to cross the tracks. Furthermore, drivers must yield the right-of-way to trains. If a driver does not stop for a train on the right side, an intervention can occur and the driver can be fined. This is because the driver did not comply with the law to yield the right-of-way to trains. In Georgia, in regards to railroad crossings, there are many different laws that are listed. These laws range from what vehicles have to stop at railroad crossings to how drivers must yield the right-of-way of trains and even the fines imposed on drivers.
This article will help you to determine what vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings in order to avoid a violation and be safe as well as give more light on where to get more of this information.
What vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings?
1. Tracks and trucks-tractor
These vehicles can’t pass through a railroad crossing as they are just too big. Therefore, vehicles that are so big that they cannot go over a railroad crossing have to stop in spite of the fact that they are permitted to pass through such crossings. In Georgia, these vehicles include Trams (defined as having more than three axles), Logging trucks and tank trucks with similar applications, oversized vehicles, and trucks with less than four wheels.
These trucks are permitted to go through railroad crossings. However, they have to stop in spite of the fact that they can go through such crossings because they are too small. In Georgia, these vehicles include:
a. Trucks without a trailer such as dump trucks, concrete mixers, and similar applications.
b. Trailers without any rollover protection including flatbeds or similar applications (flatbeds must be equipped with the conventional guard).
3. Commercial passenger vehicles
These vehicles must stop in cases where they are too large to pass through railroad crossings. In Georgia, these vehicles include buses, vehicles carrying 15 or more passengers regardless of size including minivans, vans, and similar applications. These vehicles have to have a permit to pass through a railroad crossing even though they can’t due to their size and weight dimensions but they have to stop
4. Trailers-bed trailers, sheet trailers, flatbeds, and all-terrain vehicles.
Trailers are permitted to go through railroad crossings. However, they have to stop in spite of the fact that they can pass through such crossings because of their large size. In Georgia, these vehicles include:
a. Trailers without rollover protection including flatbeds and similar applications except for feeder tractors. Feeder tractors are always exempt on account of their primary function (feeder tractors).
b. Trailers with rollover protection including flatbeds and similar applications except for feeder tractors. Feeder tractors are always exempt on account of their primary function (feeder tractors).
5. Trailers carrying hazardous materials
These vehicles can’t pass through a railroad crossing as they are just too large to go through such crossings. Therefore, these vehicles have to stop in spite of the fact that they can pass through such crossings.
The question of what vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings is directed to drivers from all over the world. In Georgia, there are laws that determine what vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings. These laws are paid attention to by both motorists and railroad workers for the safety of everyone involved. It can also benefit drivers to know what is expected of them throughout their drive. Furthermore, it is highly recommended to always obey crossing laws and regulations on the highway.
Where to get more information on what vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings.
1. Familiarizing yourself with road laws
The best method to learn about what vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings is by familiarizing yourself with road laws. These laws help you to not only stay safe but avoid any infractions when driving. The main website that has a variety of road laws and regulations is the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Laws on the Road section. It includes the code or statute, an explanation of the law or regulation, as well as links to other relevant information. Another resource is The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A) which provides legal information to residents and the general public. The O.C.G.A includes titles, chapter, and paragraph numbers for each law or regulation to help you identify what vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings.
2. Driving schools
Another method to learn about what vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings is by going to driving schools. Driving schools globally teach drivers the rules of the road as well as how to gain skills for safe driving. Moreover, some schools provide free discounts for drivers who are not able to afford a class. In addition, there are several online driving schools that offer step-by-step instructions and interactive programs. You can even take these courses on your own time and still receive attributes for moving on to the next level.
3. Public transportation
A third resource that can help you learn about what vehicles must stop is public transportation. Trains, buses, and other methods of transportation have workers and employees who are required to know all about the law and regulations. Therefore, asking them about what vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings could be very beneficial in gaining information.
4. E-books
A fourth method of getting information about what vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings is by reading e-books. E-books are able to provide drivers with accurate information about what vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings as well as when they need to yield. They can explain how to safely maneuver through train and bus stops, how to treat them in a respectful manner, as well as any other relevant information.
5. Looking for free information on the Internet
The fifth method to get information about what vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings is by searching the Internet. On the Internet, you can find websites, blogs, and other resources that provide drivers any and all information they need. There are even videos that show how to safely maneuver through railroad crossings as well as when to yield. Moreover, there are a variety of websites that offer tips on how to stay safe while driving as well as avoid dangerous situations.
