Railroad Crossings
23 V.S.A. § 1071 — stop within 50 feet of the nearest rail, but not nearer than 15 feet
A driver stops within 50 feet of, but not nearer than 15 feet from, the nearest rail, and waits until it is safe, when any of these is true:
- A signal device warns that a train is coming.
- A gate is lowered, or a flagger signals a train.
- A train within 80 rods (1,320 feet) sounds an audible signal and is an immediate hazard.
- A train is plainly visible and close to the crossing.
- A stop sign stands at the crossing.
No one may drive through, around or under a crossing gate while it is closed, opening or closing.
Vehicles carrying passengers for hire, school buses, and vehicles carrying explosives or flammable liquids stop at every crossing, look and listen both ways, and do not shift gears while crossing, unless an officer, attendant or signal waves them on or the crossing is signed exempt.
Sources for this section (2)
- 23 V.S.A. § 1071 — Railroad grade crossings
- 23 V.S.A. § 1072 — Certain vehicles must stop
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Vermont attorney.