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TCA 55-8-145

Obedience to signal indicating approach of train or other on-track equipment-Penalty

MISDEMEANOR CClass C Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

Obedience to signal indicating approach of train or other on-track equipment-Penalty — Class C misdemeanor. Up to 30 days in jail and $50 fine. Penalty may be enhanced for prior offenses or aggravating factors.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass C Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail30 days
Maximum Fine$50
Penalty SummaryClass C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50
(a) Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver of the vehicle shall stop within fifty feet (50′) but not less than fifteen feet (15′) from the nearest rail of the railroad, and shall not proceed until that driver can do so safely. These requirements shall apply when: (A) For purposes of a conventionally operated vehicle, every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101Highway: means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way when any part thereto is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101Person: means a natural person, firm, copartnership, association, corporation, or an engaged ADS. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101Railroad: means a carrier of persons or property upon cars, other than streetcars, operated upon stationary rails. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101Railroad train: means a steam engine, electric or other motor, with or without cars coupled thereto, operated upon rails, except streetcars. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101Vehicle: means every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. See Tennessee Code 55-8-101(1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment, which shall mean any self-propelled machinery or vehicle traveling on a railroad track; (2) A crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagger gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train or other on-track equipment; (3) A railroad train or other on-track equipment approaching within approximately one thousand five hundred feet (1,500′) of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from such distance and the railroad train or other on-track equipment, by reason of its speed or nearness to the crossing, is an immediate hazard; or (4) An approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to 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. (c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR C
TCA Section55-8-145
Max Jail30 days
Max Fine$50