Michigan § 257.669 - Vehicles required to activate hazard warning lights and stop at railroad track grade crossing; driver to listen and look in both directions; shifting gears prohibited; exceptions; "inactive railroad track" defined; violation as civil infraction.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.669 — Vehicles required to activate hazard warning lights and stop at railroad track grade crossing; driver to listen and look in both directions; shifting gears prohibited; exceptions; "inactive railroad track" defined; violation as civil infraction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 257.669. Vehicles required to activate hazard warning lights and stop at railroad track grade crossing; driver to listen and look in both directions; shifting gears prohibited; exceptions; "inactive railroad track" defined; violation as civil infraction.
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (3), and (4), the driver of a motor vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers including the driver, a motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, or a motor vehicle that is required to be marked or placarded under 49 CFR parts 100 to 180, before crossing a railroad track at grade, shall activate the vehicle hazard warning lights and stop the vehicle within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. While stopped, the driver shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment, and shall not proceed until the driver can do so safely. After stopping as required in this subsection, and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of the vehicle shall cross only in a gear of the vehicle that does not require changing gears while traversing the crossing. The driver shall not shift gears while crossing the track or tracks.
(2) A stop need not be made at a railroad track grade crossing where a police officer or a traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed.
(3) A stop need not be made at an inactive railroad track grade crossing. As used in this subsection, "inactive railroad track" means a railroad track that meets all of the following requirements:
(a) The track has been covered or removed.
(b) All signs, signals, and other warning devices are removed.
(4) A stop shall not be made at a railroad grade crossing marked with a sign reading "exempt". Exempt signs may be erected only by or with the consent of the state transportation department after notice to and an opportunity to be heard by the primary railroad operating over that crossing.
(5) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 257.669
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.669 cover?
Section 257.669 ("Vehicles required to activate hazard warning lights and stop at railroad track grade crossing; driver to listen and look in both directions; shifting gears prohibited; exceptions; "inactive railroad track" defined; violation as civil infraction.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. 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 Michigan § 257.669?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.669" (Michigan). 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 Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 257.669 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan 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 Michigan.