Ask X3What does 49 CFR 392.11 (Railroad grade crossings; slowing down required) require?
Generated guidance. Confirm the source and its applicability before you act. How we check sources.
Short answer
49 CFR 392.11 requires commercial motor vehicles to slow down at railroad grade crossings and exercise due caution before crossing. The vehicle must be driven at a speed that allows it to be stopped before reaching the nearest rail, and the driver must take due caution to ensure the course is clear.
The rule says
"Every commercial motor vehicle other than those listed in 392.10 shall, upon approaching a railroad grade crossing, be driven at a rate of speed which will permit said commercial motor vehicle to be stopped before reaching the nearest rail of such crossing and shall not be driven upon or over such crossing until due caution has been taken to ascertain that the course is clear." (49 CFR 392.11)
In plain English
This rule is about safety at railroad crossings. It means that drivers of commercial vehicles need to slow down when approaching a crossing and make sure it's safe to cross before proceeding. Drivers should be aware of their surroundings, look for signs of an approaching train, and be prepared to stop if necessary.
What to do
- Slow down when approaching a railroad grade crossing
- Exercise due caution to ensure the course is clear
- Be prepared to stop if necessary
- Follow all traffic signs and signals at the crossing