(A) The Department of Transportation and local authorities, with the approval of the Department, may designate dangerous highway crossings over railroad tracks, and erect stop signs thereat. When stop signs are erected, the operator of any vehicle shall stop within 50, but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad tracks, and shall exercise due care before proceeding across the grade crossing.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(R.C. § 4511.61) ('81 Code § 72.45)