For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
OPERATOR. Any individual, partnership, corporation or other association which owns, operates, drives or controls a railroad train.
RAILROAD TRAIN. An engine or locomotive, with or without cars coupled thereto, operated upon rails.
(Iowa Code § 321.1(58))
(1999 Code, § 81.01)
Operators shall sound a horn at least 1,000 feet before a street crossing is reached and after sounding the horn, shall ring the bell continuously until the crossing is passed.
(Iowa Code § 327G.13) (1999 Code, § 81.02) Penalty, see § 10.99
(A) Operators shall not operate any train in a manner as to prevent vehicular use of any highway, street or alley for a period of time in excess of ten minutes except:
(1) Comply with signals. When necessary to comply with signals affecting the safety of the movement of trains;
(2) Avoid striking. When necessary to avoid striking any object or person on the track;
(3) Disabled. When the train is disabled;
(4) Safety regulations. When necessary to comply with governmental safety regulations including, but not limited to, speed ordinances and speed regulations;
(5) In motion. When the train is in motion except while engaged in switching operations; and
(6) No traffic. When there is no vehicular traffic waiting to use the crossing.
(B) Operators violating any provision of this section commit a municipal infraction. An employee is not guilty of a violation if the action is necessary to comply with the direct order or instructions of a railroad corporation or its supervisors. Guilt is then with the railroad corporation.
(Iowa Code § 327G.32) (1999 Code, § 81.03) (Ord. 2560, passed 12-12-2017) Penalty, see §
10.99
Operators shall construct and maintain good, sufficient and safe crossings over any street traversed by their rails.
(Iowa Code § 364.11) (1999 Code, § 81.04) Penalty, see § 10.99
Editor’s note:
See Bourett vs. Chicago & N.W. Ry. 152 Iowa 579, 132 N.W. 973 (1943)
It is unlawful to operate any railroad train through any street crossing within the platted areas of the city at a speed greater than 20 mph.
(1999 Code, § 81.05) Penalty, see § 10.99
Editor’s note:
See Girl vs. United States R. Admin., 194 Iowa 1382, 189 N.W. 834 (1923)