# Transportation (GTR)

## Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road

### Subtitle 7. Special Stops Required

#### Section 21-704

(a) 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 per 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) 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) 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)

  (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.

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Md. Code Ann., Transp. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)