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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cdl-railroad-room-to-clear

Under CDL rules, which of these is a railroad crossing offense for all drivers?

Starting across without room to get completely through.

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  1. Crossing without stopping at an open crossing
  2. Starting across without room to clear it ✔
  3. Using the horn near the tracks

Why: Every driver must have enough space to drive completely through a crossing without stopping. Getting stuck for lack of room, or because the truck is too low and hangs up, are both offenses.

Huh, didn't know that: Low-clearance trailers can hang up on raised humped crossings.

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What do you call a train that sneezes? An achoo-choo train.
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References

Answer: Starting across without room to clear it. Every driver must have enough space to drive completely through a crossing without stopping. Getting stuck for lack of room, or because the truck is too low and hangs up, are both offenses.

  1. 49 CFR 383.51 Disqualification of drivers (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-383.51
    The driver fails to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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