Sec. 545.255. MOVING HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS. (a) This section applies only to:
(1) a crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, or roller; and
(2) any other equipment or structure with:
(A) a normal operating speed of 10 miles per hour or less; or
(B) a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch per foot of the distance between two adjacent axles or less than nine inches measured above the level surface of a roadway.
(b) An operator of a vehicle or equipment may not move on or across a track at a railroad grade crossing unless the operator has given notice to a station agent of the railroad and given the railroad reasonable time to provide proper protection at the crossing.
(c) To move a vehicle or equipment on or across a track at a railroad grade crossing, the operator:
(1) shall stop the vehicle or equipment not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad;
(2) while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train; and
(3) may not proceed until it is safe to cross the track.
(d) An operator of a vehicle or equipment may not cross a railroad grade crossing when warning of the immediate approach of a railroad car or train is given by automatic signal, crossing gates, a flagger, or otherwise. If a flagger is provided by the railroad, the operator shall move the vehicle or equipment over the crossing at the flagger's direction.
(e) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.107(e), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
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