2019 Texas Statutes
Transportation Code
Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic
Subtitle C - Rules of the Road
Chapter 545 - Operation and Movement of Vehicles
Subchapter F. Special Stops and Speed Restrictions
Section 545.251. Obedience to Signal Indicating Approach of Train
Sec. 545.251. OBEDIENCE TO SIGNAL INDICATING APPROACH OF TRAIN. (a) An operator approaching a railroad grade crossing shall stop not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail if:
(1) a clearly visible railroad signal warns of the approach of a railroad train;
(2) a crossing gate is lowered, or a flagger warns of the approach or passage of a train;
(3) a railroad engine approaching within approximately 1,500 feet of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from that distance and the engine is an immediate hazard because of its speed or proximity to the crossing;
(4) an approaching railroad train is plainly visible to the operator and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing; or
(5) the operator is required to stop by:
(A) other law;
(B) a rule adopted under a statute;
(C) an official traffic-control device; or
(D) a traffic-control signal.
(b) An operator of a vehicle required by Subsection (a) to stop shall remain stopped until permitted to proceed and it is safe to proceed.
(c) An operator of a vehicle who approaches a railroad grade crossing equipped with railroad crossbuck signs without automatic, electric, or mechanical signal devices, crossing gates, or a flagger warning of the approach or passage of a train shall yield the right-of-way to a train in hazardous proximity to the crossing, and proceed at a speed that is reasonable for the existing conditions. If required for safety, the operator shall stop at a clearly marked stop line before the grade crossing or, if no stop line exists, not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail.
(d) An operator commits an offense if the operator drives around, under, or through a crossing gate or a barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed, being closed, or being opened.
(e) In a prosecution under this section, proof that at the time of the offense a train was in hazardous proximity to the crossing and that the train was plainly visible to the operator is prima facie evidence that it was not safe for the operator to proceed.
(f) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.107(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1097, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
