When can you legally go around or under a railroad crossing gate?

When is it Legal to Circumvent Railroad Crossing Gates?

Railroad crossing gates are an integral part of ensuring safety at intersections where trains and vehicles cross paths. Disregarding these gates is a serious offense and a major safety violation. The gates are designed to prevent accidents, and bypassing them is only permissible under specific circumstances.

Legal Exceptions:

There are only two legal exceptions that allow for going around or under a railroad crossing gate:

1. Authorization by Law Enforcement or Railway Worker: In the case of an emergency or when the gate has malfunctioned, a designated law enforcement officer or railway worker may authorize you to cross under or around the gate. This authorization must be given on-site by a duly authorized person.

2. Authorized Emergency Vehicle: Emergency vehicles responding to an emergency call may legally disregard railroad crossing gates, provided they proceed with caution and exercise due care.

Consequences of Illegal Crossing:

Ignoring railroad crossing gates is a serious offense with both legal and safety consequences:

• Legal Penalties: Violating railroad crossing gates can result in significant fines, imprisonment, or both.
• Safety Risks: Bypassing gates exposes you to severe danger, as trains can travel at high speeds and have limited braking capacity. Vehicles and their occupants can be struck by trains, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remember:

For the safety of yourself and others, it is crucial to obey railroad crossing gates. Ignoring them is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. If you encounter a lowered gate, do not attempt to cross unless you have been explicitly authorized by an authorized person on-site.