California Vehicle Code 22452 requires certain categories of vehicles — including school buses, transit buses, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, and vehicles with listed cargo — to come to a full stop at every railroad grade crossing before proceeding. These vehicles must stop not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and may not continue until it is safe to do so. Additionally, all drivers are prohibited from driving around lowered crossing gates or through activated warning signals. Violations carry 1 DMV point and elevated fines reflecting the serious safety risk.
The driver of any vehicle listed in subdivision (b) shall, before crossing at grade any track of a railroad, stop the vehicle not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching train, and shall not proceed until the driver can do so safely.
(b)
Subdivision (a) applies to the following vehicles: (1) A bus or transit vehicle described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 22452.5. (2) A schoolbus. (3) A school pupil activity bus. (4) A youth bus. (5) A farm labor vehicle. (6) A vehicle transporting a cargo tank, whether loaded or empty, used or intended to be used for the transportation of any hazardous material. (7) Any other vehicle transporting a quantity of a hazardous material that requires placarding.
(c)
No driver of a vehicle shall drive through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed, or drive through a railroad crossing after a signal has been given indicating an approaching train.
Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 787, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 2001.
Fine & Penalty Amounts
Estimated totals include all mandatory state and county penalty assessments. Actual amounts vary by county court.
Violation Range
Est. Total with Assessments
Notes
Railroad crossing violation
~$490–$1,000
Fine level reflects serious safety risk; exact total varies by county.
Railroad crossing violations carry higher fines than standard 1-point infractions because of the elevated safety risk. Base fine and total depend on the specific conduct cited. Driving around an active gate or through a warning signal can result in the higher end of the fine range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.
VC 22452 requires a mandatory stop at every railroad grade crossing for specific vehicle types: school buses, youth buses, farm labor vehicles, transit buses, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding. Standard passenger cars are not required to stop unless crossing signals are activated.
Yes. VC 22452(c) applies to all drivers: no one may drive through, around, or under a closed crossing gate or barrier, or proceed through a crossing after a warning signal has been activated indicating an approaching train. This applies to every vehicle, not just the listed categories.
The fine is elevated compared to standard moving violations, typically around $490 or more after California assessments. The exact total depends on the specific conduct and the county where the citation was issued.
Yes. A conviction adds 1 point to your California DMV driving record for 36 months from the violation date.
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