Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(A)(1) Whenever any person driving a vehicle or trackless trolley approaches a railroad grade crossing, the person shall stop within fifty feet, but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of the railroad if any of the following circumstances exist at the crossing:
(a) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a train or other on-track equipment.
(b) A crossing gate is lowered.
(c) A flagperson gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a train or other on-track equipment.
(d) There is insufficient space on the other side of the railroad grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle or trackless trolley the person is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles, trackless trolleys, pedestrians, or trains, notwithstanding any highway traffic signal indication to proceed.
(e) An approaching train is emitting an audible signal or is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.
(f) There is insufficient undercarriage clearance to safely negotiate the crossing.
(g) There is insufficient space on the other side of the railroad grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle or trackless trolley the person is operating without obstructing the passage of other on-track equipment.
(h) Approaching on-track equipment is emitting an audible signal or is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.
(2)(a) A person who is driving a vehicle or trackless trolley and who approaches a railroad grade crossing shall not proceed as long as any of the circumstances described in divisions (A)(1)(a) to (f) of this section exist at the crossing.
(b) A person who is driving a vehicle or trackless trolley and who approaches a railroad grade crossing shall not recklessly proceed as long as any of the circumstances described in division (A)(1)(g) or (h) of this section exist at the crossing.
(B) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed unless the person is signaled by a law enforcement officer or flagperson that it is permissible to do so.
(C)(1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(2) In lieu of a fine or jail term for a violation of this section, a court may instead order the offender to attend and successfully complete a remedial safety training or presentation regarding rail safety that is offered by an authorized and qualified organization that is selected by the court. The offender shall complete the presentation within a time frame determined by the court, not to exceed one hundred eighty days after the court issues the order. The offender shall notify the court of the successful completion of the presentation. When the offender notifies the court of the successful completion of the presentation, the court shall waive any fine or jail term that it otherwise would have imposed for a violation of this section.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Ohio Revised Code Title XLV. Motor Vehicles Aeronautics Watercraft § 4511.62 - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/oh/title-xlv-motor-vehicles-aeronautics-watercraft/oh-rev-code-sect-4511-62/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)