Railroad Crossing Laws in Indiana
Under Indiana law, when a person driving a vehicle that is approaching a railroad crossing, that person must stop within fifty feet but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest track of railroad and may not proceed until safe to do so when: 1) a clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a train, 2) a crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a train, 3) a railroad train approaching within one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet of a highway crossing emits an audible signal and because of speed or nearness to the crossing is an immediate hazard, and 4) an approaching train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing. See IC 9-21-8-39.
Additionally, motor vehicle drivers have a duty under IC 9-21-5-4 to reduce their speed as necessary at railroad crossings in order to avoid colliding with people, vehicles, or other conveyances on or near the intersection.
