(a) Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing such person must exercise due care and caution as the existence of a railroad track across a highway is a warning of danger, and under any of the circumstances stated in this Section, the driver shall stop within fifty feet (50') but not less than fifteen feet (15') from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. The foregoing requirements shall apply when:
(1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train;
(2) A crossing gate is lowered or a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train;
(3) A railroad train approaching a highway crossing emits a warning signal and such railroad train, by reason of its speed or nearness to such crossing, is an immediate hazard;
(4) An approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing;
(5) A railroad train is approaching so closely that an immediate hazard is created.
(b) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.
(c) The Village with approval of the Department of Transportation may designate particularly dangerous highway grade crossings of railroads and erect stop signs thereat. When such stop signs are erected, the driver of any vehicle shall stop within fifty feet (50') but not less than fifteen feet (15') from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall proceed only upon exercising due care.
(d) At any railroad grade crossing provided with the railroad crossbuck signs, without automatic, electric, or mechanical signal devices, crossing gates, or a human flagman giving a signal of the approach or passage of a train, the driver of a vehicle shall, in obedience to the railroad crossbuck sign, yield the right of way and slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and shall stop, if required for safety, at a clearly marked stop line, or if no stop line, within fifty feet (50') but not less than fifteen feet (15') from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely. If the driver is involved in a collision at a railroad crossing or interferes with the movement of a train after driving past the railroad crossbuck sign, the collision or interference is prima facie evidence of the driver's failure to yield right of way.
(e) A violation of any part of this Section shall result in a mandatory fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00) or fifty (50) hours of community service. (Ord. 0-96-08, 3-4-1996)