What are the laws about stopping at railroad crossings?

In Washington State, drivers must always stop at railroad crossings. This applies to all trains, including light rail and streetcars. According to Washington State Law, Section 46.61.420, drivers must stop at least 15 feet away from the nearest rail of the railroad tracks, and remain stopped until the train or the crossing gate has stopped. Drivers must make sure that the train has passed before continuing across. When approaching a railroad crossing, drivers must be prepared to stop and look both ways. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and listen for the sound of a train whistle or bell. If the vehicle is on the tracks when the gates come down, the driver is still required to stop and wait for the train to pass. Drivers are also required to stop for all animals at railroad crossings. If an animal is crossing the tracks, drivers need to wait for the animal to finish before passing. In some cases, drivers may be exempt from stopping at certain railroad crossings. For example, if the driver is traveling on a highway designated as a “safety corridor” by the Department of Transportation, the driver may pass through the crossing without stopping. Additionally, if there are no railroad crossing gates or warning lights present, the driver may pass through the crossing without stopping. It is important to note that failure to stop at a railroad crossing can result in a fine or even jail time, so it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations.

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