SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cdl-railroad-stop-distance

When a CDL vehicle must stop at a railroad crossing, where must it stop?

Stop within 50 feet of, and not closer than 15 feet to, the tracks.

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  1. Within 100 feet, no closer than 50 feet
  2. Within 50 feet, no closer than 15 feet ✔
  3. Exactly 200 feet before the tracks

Why: This federal distance keeps you close enough to see the tracks but far enough to stay clear of trains.

Huh, didn't know that: The rule covers every bus carrying passengers and many hazmat trucks, including placarded loads and hazmat cargo tanks.

The dad joke
Why do truckers stop 50 feet from a train? Because trains do not do quick turnarounds.
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References

Answer: Within 50 feet, no closer than 15 feet. This federal distance keeps you close enough to see the tracks but far enough to stay clear of trains.

  1. 49 CFR 392.10 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-392.10
    Stops the commercial motor vehicle within 50 feet of, and not closer than 15 feet to, the tracks
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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