Michigan · Handbook chapter 6 · 6 min read

Chapter 6: Railroad crossings and parking

How to cross railroad tracks safely in Michigan, passive and active crossing controls, what to do if you are stuck on the tracks, hill and parallel parking, disability parking and where you may never park.

Why this chapter matters

A train can need a mile or more to stop, so railroad crossings leave no room for error. Michigan's parking rules are full of exact distances, from 15 feet at a hydrant to 500 feet from a fire, and they are easy points on the test if you learn them.

Approaching any crossing

• Slow down and look both ways. A train is nearer and faster than it looks.
• Cross only at marked crossings, never walk along or stop on the tracks.
• When a train is coming, stop no more than 50 feet and no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. Trains overhang the rails by at least 3 feet on each side.
• If there is a STOP sign at the crossing, stop whether or not a train is in sight.
• Never drive through, around or under lowered gates or active signals.
• After a train passes, wait until the gates are up, the lights and bells stop and you are sure all tracks are clear.
• School buses, vehicles carrying passengers for hire and vehicles carrying gasoline or hazardous materials must stop and check for trains at crossings even without a sign or signal, unless marked otherwise.

Passive and active crossings

• Passive crossings have no lights or gates. They rely on advance warning signs, pavement markings and a crossbuck with a YIELD or STOP sign. Slow or stop as needed, check both ways and never race a train.
• Active crossings use gates, flashing lights, message signs and bells. Stop whenever the bells ring, the lights flash or the gate is down or moving.

Crossing safety tips

• Always expect a train at any crossing.
• Avoid changing gears while crossing.
• In snow, keep enough speed so you do not get stuck on the tracks.
• If traffic is backed up, do not start across unless there is room to clear the far side of the tracks by at least 6 feet.

If you are stuck on the tracks

Once lights and gates activate or you hear a train horn, you have about 20 seconds.

• If a train is coming or the gates are down: get everyone out of the vehicle and far from the tracks immediately, then call 911.
• If no train is in sight and the signals are not active: get everyone out and away, then call the railroad's number on the blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign near the crossing. Give the crossing's ID number (six digits and one letter). The railroad may be able to slow or stop trains. Then call 911.

Parking basics

Whenever you park:

• Always set the parking brake; the transmission is not meant to hold the car.
• Turn off the engine, take the keys and lock the vehicle.
• Before opening your door, check mirrors and use your right hand to open it, which turns you to look over your left shoulder for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Walk back to the driver's side facing oncoming traffic.

Parking on a hill

Parallel parking

1. Pick a space on the passenger side, signal and check behind you.
2. Pull alongside the car ahead of the space, about 2 to 5 feet away.
3. Shift into reverse, check traffic and back slowly, looking over your right shoulder.
4. Turn the wheel right to angle the rear into the space, then turn the other way to straighten (an S turn).
5. Center the car, no more than 6 to 12 inches from the curb.

Disability parking

• You need a disability plate or placard, and you or a passenger must have a qualifying disability. The person with the disability must be going with you into the store or building.
• Disabilities are not always visible.
• Free metered parking applies only with a placard showing a yellow free-parking sticker.
• Never park on the blue-striped area of a van-accessible space: the van needs it for a lift or ramp. Do not block ramps or curb cuts.

Where you may never park

• Where no stopping, no standing or no parking signs are posted.
• Within 500 feet of a fire or crash.
• Closer than 15 feet to a fire hydrant.
• Near a fire station: keep 20 feet from its driveway on that side of the street, or 75 feet across the street where marked.
• Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
• Closer than 30 feet to a stop sign, a signal light or a flashing beacon.
• Closer than 20 feet to a marked crosswalk. Where an intersection has no crosswalk, the gap is 15 feet.
• More than 12 inches from the curb, or against the flow of traffic.
• In front of a driveway, alley, theater, emergency exit or fire escape.
• On a sidewalk, in an intersection, crosswalk or bike lane, or at a transit stop.
• On or under a bridge (unless posted), on an overpass or in a tunnel.
• Double parked beside a legally parked car.
• In a highway lane outside city limits when there is a shoulder, where you block drivers' view at an intersection, or where you block mail delivery to a rural mailbox.

Cities may have stricter rules, posted at the city limits. The vehicle owner (or the person leasing it) is responsible for parking tickets.