Louisiana § RS 32:172 - All vehicles must stop at certain railroad grade crossings
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:172 — All vehicles must stop at certain railroad grade crossings, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 32:172. All vehicles must stop at certain railroad grade crossings
A.(1) The department shall determine highway grade crossings of railroads on state maintained highways or roads which are of particular danger to public safety and shall erect stop signs thereat.
(2) The department shall also make a preliminary determination of highway grade crossings of railroads on non-state maintained public highways or roads which are of particular danger to public safety which shall be made available to parishes and municipalities. The governing authorities of such parishes and municipalities may erect stop signs at such crossings.
(3) The department shall promulgate rules and regulations, not later than December 15, 1998, which set forth criteria to determine those crossings which are particularly dangerous, to include but not be limited to crossings where multiple collisions have occurred, crossings which are high-profile crossings, and crossings with reduced sight distance or visibility. When such stop signs are erected, the driver of any vehicle shall stop within fifty feet, but not less than fifteen feet, from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall proceed only upon exercising due care.
B. The opinions and final report of the department promulgated or published pursuant to this Section shall not be subject to any discovery or production nor be admissible evidence in any judicial proceeding in this state.
C. A decision of the department relative to the placement of a stop sign at a crossing which possesses any other warning device shall not be considered as presumptive or conclusive evidence of fault on the part of the state or its agents or any political subdivision or its agents.
D. Nothing in this Section shall relieve the railroad of its responsibility to maintain safe crossings and operate its trains and other on-track equipment in a safe manner.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 121, §1; Acts 2017, No. 410, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 32:172
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:172 cover?
Section RS 32:172 ("All vehicles must stop at certain railroad grade crossings") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. 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 Louisiana § RS 32:172?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:172" (Louisiana). 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 Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 32:172 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana 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 Louisiana.