Georgia § 40-6-140 - Approaching and travel over railroad grade crossing.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-6-140 — Approaching and travel over railroad grade crossing., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 40-6-140. Approaching and travel over railroad grade crossing.

As used in this Code section, the term "other on-track equipment" means any car, rolling stock, or other device that, alone or coupled to another device, is operated on stationary rails. Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing, such driver shall stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely, when: A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a train; A crossing gate is lowered or a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach of the passage of a train or other on-track equipment; or An approaching train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing. No person shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed. If no electric or mechanical signal device is giving warning of the immediate approach of a train or other on-track equipment, no crossing gate or barrier is closed, there is no stop sign at the crossing, and there is no human flagman giving warning, all drivers shall slow to a reasonable and prudent speed and verify that there is no approaching train or other on-track equipment prior to proceeding. For the purposes of this subsection, "a reasonable and prudent speed" means a speed slow enough to enable the driver to safely stop the vehicle prior to reaching the nearest rail of such crossing. No person shall drive a vehicle over a railroad grade crossing when a train or other on-track equipment is approaching. No person shall drive a vehicle over a railroad grade crossing if there is insufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping. No person shall drive a vehicle over a railroad grade crossing if there is insufficient undercarriage clearance for the vehicle to negotiate the crossing. (Ga. L. 1953, Nov.-Dec. Sess., p. 556, § 83; Code 1933, § 68A-701, enacted by Ga. L. 1974, p. 633, § 1; Ga. L. 1990, p. 2048, § 5; Ga. L. 2003, p. 484, § 9; Ga. L. 2018, p. 354, § 1/SB 409.) The 2018 amendment, effective July 1, 2018, inserted "or other on-track equipment" throughout; added subsection (a); redesignated former subsection (a) as present subsection (b) and inserted "or she" near the end of the introductory paragraph; and redesignated former subsections (b) through (f) as present subsections (c) through (g), respectively.

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 40-6-140

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-6-140 cover?

Section 40-6-140 ("Approaching and travel over railroad grade crossing.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Georgia § 40-6-140?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-6-140" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Georgia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.

How does Georgia § 40-6-140 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.