Railroad Crossings
Ala. Code § 32-5A-150 — stop between 15 and 50 feet from the rail when a train signals, and never around a lowered gate
A driver stops within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail, and goes on only when it is safe, when a signal warns of a train, a gate is lowered or a flagman signals, a train within about 1,500 feet sounds a signal and is an immediate hazard, or a train is plainly visible and close enough to be dangerous.
Who handles this in Alabama: Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
The gate. No one drives through, around or under a crossing gate or barrier while it is closed, opening or closing.
Vehicles named in the state's rules, such as those carrying passengers or hazardous loads, stop at every crossing within the same distance, look and listen both ways, and cross without shifting gears, except where an officer, a flagman, a signal, gates or flashing lights control the crossing.
Sources for this section (2)
- Ala. Code § 32-5A-150 — Obedience to Signal Indicating Approach of Train
- Ala. Code § 32-5A-151 — Certain Vehicles Must Stop at All Railroad Grade Crossings; Exceptions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.