(A) Maintain distance from tracks. 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 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet, 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 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; or
(5) A railroad train is approaching so closely that an immediate hazard is obvious.
(B) Respect barriers or gates. 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) Certain vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings. The driver of any of the following vehicles shall, before crossing a railroad track or tracks at grade, stop such vehicle within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail and, while so stopped, shall listen and look for the approach of a train, and shall not proceed until such movement can be made with safety:
(1) Any “second division vehicle” (as defined in the Illinois Vehicle Code) carrying passengers for hire;
(2) Any school bus carrying a school child; and
(3) Any other vehicle which is required by federal or state law to be placarded when carrying as cargo or part of cargo "hazardous material" as defined in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. After stopping as required in this section, the driver shall proceed only in a gear not requiring a change of gears during the crossing, and the driver shall not shift gears while crossing the track or tracks.
(D) Exception. This section shall not apply at any railroad grade crossing where traffic is controlled by a police officer or flag person.
(E) Penalty. A violation of any part of this section shall result in a minimum fine of $500 in addition to any costs or charges connected with the prosecution of such violation.
(Ord. 14-17, passed 11-14-2017)