(A) As used in this section, "active grade crossing warning device" has the same meaning as in section 5733.43 of the Revised Code.
(B) The department of transportation and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions, with the approval of the department, may designate dangerous highway crossings over railroad tracks whether on state, county, or township highways or on streets or ways within municipal corporations, and erect stop signs thereat.
(C)
(1) The department and local authorities shall erect stop signs at a railroad highway grade crossing in either of the following circumstances:
(a) New warning devices that are not active grade crossing warning devices are being installed at the grade crossing, and railroad crossbucks were the only warning devices at the grade crossing prior to the installation of the new warning devices.
(b) The grade crossing is constructed after the effective date of this amendment and only warning devices that are not active grade crossing warning devices are installed at the grade crossing.
(2) Division (C)(1) of this section does not apply to a railroad highway grade crossing that the director of transportation has exempted from that division because of traffic flow or other considerations or factors.
(D) When stop signs are erected pursuant to division (B) or (C) of this section, the operator of any vehicle, streetcar, or trackless trolley shall stop within fifty, but not less than fifteen, feet from the nearest rail of the railroad tracks and shall exercise due care before proceeding across such grade crossing.
(E) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates division (D) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
Amended by 130th General Assembly File No. 7, HB 51, ยง101.01, eff. 7/1/2013.
Effective Date: 01-01-2004
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