Washington § 46.61.355 - Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings — Notice of intended crossing.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.355 — Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings — Notice of intended crossing., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46.61.355. Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings — Notice of intended crossing.

(1) No person shall operate or move any crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of ten or less miles per hour or a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch per foot of the distance between any two adjacent axles or in any event of less than nine inches, measured above the level surface of a roadway, upon or across any tracks at a railroad grade crossing without first complying with this section.
(2) Notice of any such intended crossing shall be given to the station agent of such railroad located nearest the intended crossing sufficiently in advance to allow such railroad a reasonable time to prescribe proper protection for such crossing.
(3) Before making any such crossing, the person operating or moving any such vehicle or equipment shall first stop the same not less than fifteen feet nor more than fifty feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along such track for any approaching train or other on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or other on-track equipment, and shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely.
(4) No such crossing shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a flagger or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or car or other on-track equipment. If a flagger is provided by the railroad, movement over the crossing shall be under the flagger's direction.
[ 2017 c 87 s 3; 2000 c 239 s 7; 1975 c 62 s 32; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 49.]

Notes

Captions not law—2000 c 239: See note following RCW 49.17.350.
Severability—1975 c 62: See note following RCW 36.75.010.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.61.355

What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.355 cover?

Section 46.61.355 ("Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings — Notice of intended crossing.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. 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 Washington § 46.61.355?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.355" (Washington). 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 Washington law?

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

How does Washington § 46.61.355 apply to my situation?

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

Sources & Verification

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