§ 31-20-5. Moving of heavy equipment over railroad crossings.
(a) No person shall operate or move any crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of ten (10) or less miles per hour or a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch per foot of the distance between any two adjacent axles, or in any event, of less than nine inches (9"), measured above the level surface of a roadway, upon or across any tracks at a railroad grade crossing, without first complying with this section.
(b) Notice of the intended crossing shall be given to a station agent of the railroad, and a reasonable time shall be given to the railroad to provide proper protection at the crossing.
(c) Before making the crossing, the person operating or moving the vehicle or equipment shall first stop the same not less than fifteen feet (15′) nor more than fifty feet (50′) from the nearest rail of the railroad and, while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train, and shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely.
(d) No crossing shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a flagperson or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or car. If a flagperson is provided by the railroad, movement over the crossing shall be under the flagperson’s direction.
History of Section.P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 31, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-20-5.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles
Chapter 31-20 - Special Stops Required
Section 31-20-1. - When railroad crossing stops required of all vehicles.
Section 31-20-2. - Driving through railroad gate or barrier.
Section 31-20-3. - Stop signs at dangerous railroad crossings.
Section 31-20-4. - Vehicles required to stop at all railroads — Exceptions.
Section 31-20-5. - Moving of heavy equipment over railroad crossings.
Section 31-20-6. - Designation of through highways — Erection of stop and yield signs.
Section 31-20-7. - Specifications for stop signs.
Section 31-20-8. - Placement of stop signs.
Section 31-20-9. - Obedience to stop signs.
Section 31-20-10. - Vehicles emerging from alleys, driveways, and buildings.
Section 31-20-10.1, 31-20-10.2. - [Reserved.]
Section 31-20-10.3. - School bus stops — Routes.
Section 31-20-10.4. - Exemption from discharge requirements of § 31-20-10.3.
Section 31-20-11. - Marking of school buses — Penalty for violation.
Section 31-20-11.1. - Signaling of stops for school buses.
Section 31-20-12. - Stopping for school bus required — Penalty for violation.
Section 31-20-12.1. - Repealed.
Section 31-20-13. - School buses stopped on divided highway or in loading zone.
Section 31-20-15. - Posting of bridle path signs.
Section 31-20-16. - Stops at bridle path crossings.
Section 31-20-17. - Stopping for crossing guards and school bus monitors required.
Section 31-20-17.1. - Private complaint — Stopping for crossing guard/bus monitor required.