Texas § TN.545.255 - MOVING HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS

§ TN.545.255. MOVING HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS

MOVING HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS. (a) This section applies only to: (1) a crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, or roller; and (2) any other equipment or structure with: (A) a normal operating speed of 10 miles per hour or less; or (B) a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch per foot of the distance between two adjacent axles or less than nine inches measured above the level surface of a roadway. (b) An operator of a vehicle or equipment may not move on or across a track at a railroad grade crossing unless the operator has given notice to a station agent of the railroad and given the railroad reasonable time to provide proper protection at the crossing. (c) To move a vehicle or equipment on or across a track at a railroad grade crossing, the operator: (1) shall stop the vehicle or equipment not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad; (2) while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train or other on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or other on-track equipment; and (3) may not proceed until it is safe to cross the track. (d) An operator of a vehicle or equipment may not cross a railroad grade crossing when warning of the immediate approach of a railroad car, train, or other on-track equipment is given by automatic signal, crossing gates, a flagger, or otherwise. If a flagger is provided by the railroad, the operator shall move the vehicle or equipment over the crossing at the flagger's direction. (e) 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(e), eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by: Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 128 (H.B. 1759 ), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2021.