Minnesota · Handbook chapter 6 · 3 min read

Minnesota railroad crossing rules, the Emergency Notification System sign, highway work zones and the zipper merge, what to do when stopped by police, and the penalties for fleeing.

Why this chapter matters

A train cannot stop quickly, and most vehicle-train collisions kill the driver. Work zones put people inches from traffic. Knowing how to handle both, and how to act during a traffic stop, keeps everyone safe.

Railroad crossings

• Warning signs and pavement markings tell you a crossing is ahead, and a sign may show how many tracks there are.
• When lights, bells or gates are active, stop at least 10 feet from the nearest rail or gate.
• Cross only when you can get at least 10 feet past the rails without stopping.
• Obey a flag person at a crossing as you would a signal.
• Some vans, buses and trucks must stop at every crossing. Do not pass them; passing any vehicle within 100 feet of a crossing is illegal.
• After a train passes, make sure a second train is not coming on another track.
• Do not shift gears on the tracks; downshift a manual car before the crossing. Never stop on the tracks or race a train.
• If your car stalls on the tracks with a train coming, get out and walk away at a 45-degree angle toward the direction the train is coming from.

The ENS sign

Every crossing has a blue Emergency Notification System sign with a 24/7 number. Call it to report a stalled vehicle or other problem; the crossing number lets dispatchers stop or slow trains.

Work zones

• Expect delays, slow down and obey flaggers.
• Obey posted work zone limits, or the normal limit if none is posted. Speeding in a work zone adds a $300 fine.
• Keep your distance from workers and equipment, and avoid distractions.

The zipper merge

When a lane closed ahead sign appears and traffic is backing up, stay in your lane until the merge point, then take turns merging. The zipper merge cuts backups by up to 40 percent, evens out lane speeds and reduces road rage.

When police stop you

• Stay calm, signal, and pull onto the right shoulder as soon as it is safe. Avoid bridges and curves.
• After dark, turn on your interior light.
• Stay in the car with doors shut and hands on the wheel. Tell the officer where documents are before reaching.
• If you have a firearm, tell the officer when they first approach and where it is, keeping your hands on the wheel.
• Do not argue; you can explain in court. Accepting a citation is not an admission of guilt.
• Disobeying a lawful order can lead to arrest.

Fleeing police

Fleeing an officer in a vehicle is a felony: up to three years and a day in prison, a $5,000 fine or both. If someone dies, up to 10 years and $20,000. Fleeing also brings a license revocation.