Section 21-704 - Moving heavy equipment at railroad crossings. - Maryland Statutes

§ 21-704. Moving heavy equipment at railroad crossings.
 

(a)  Application of section.- Unless a person has complied with this section, he may not drive or move on or across any railroad grade crossing any power shovel, derrick, roller, crawler-type tractor, or other equipment or structure that has: 

(1) A normal operating speed of 10 miles an hour or less; or 

(2) A vertical body or load clearance, measured above the level surface of a roadway, of less than: 

(i) One-half inch for each foot of the distance between any two adjacent axles; or 

(ii) 9 inches. 

(b)  Notice of intended crossing.- Before any person drives or moves any equipment described in subsection (a) of this section on or across any railroad grade crossing, the person shall: 

(1) Notify an agent of the railroad of his intention; and 

(2) Afford the railroad reasonable time to provide proper protection at the crossing. 

(c)  Duty to stop, look, and listen.- When the person approaches the crossing, he: 

(1) Shall stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail in the crossing; 

(2) While stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching or passing railroad train and for any signals indicating the approach or passage of a railroad train; and 

(3) May not proceed until he can do so safely. 

(d)  Obedience to signals.-  

(1) The person may not proceed if a warning is given by an automatic signal, crossing gate, flagman, or otherwise of the immediate approach or passage of a railroad train. 

(2) If the railroad provides a flagman, the person may proceed over the crossing only at the direction of the flagman. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 661/2, § 11-704; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 2003, ch. 196.]