Oregon · Handbook chapter 7 · 4 min read

Chapter 7: Railroads, light rail and parking

Oregon railroad crossing signs and signals, when and where to stop, what to do if you are stuck on the tracks, driving near streetcars and light rail, parallel and hill parking, disabled parking and every no-parking distance.

Why this chapter matters

Trains cannot stop quickly, and a parked car in the wrong place can block emergency crews or trains. This chapter is full of exact distances: 15, 10, 20, 50 and 75 feet, and 12 inches.

Railroad crossings

• The railroad advance sign warns of a crossing ahead.
• A crossbuck comes with a YIELD or STOP sign; obey it. A plate below shows the number of tracks.
• Crossing signals have flashing red lights and may have gates.
• The pavement may show a large X with RR.

Stop at the stop line, or at least 15 feet from the nearest rail if there is none, when:

• The red lights flash.
• A train is clearly visible or so close that crossing would be dangerous.
• A STOP sign is posted, even if no train is in sight.
• A flagger signals you to stop.

It is illegal to drive around or under a gate that is down, coming down or going up. Never stop on the tracks, never race a train, and remember that one train can hide another. School buses, hazmat vehicles and some school activity vehicles must stop at crossings, so be ready to stop behind them.

Stuck on the tracks

1. Get out of the vehicle.
2. Get away from the tracks, even if you see no train.
3. If it is safe, call the number on the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at the crossing.
4. If a train comes, move away at a 45-degree angle toward the train, so debris does not hit you.

Streetcars and light rail

• Let streetcars and trains go first. If one stops for passengers, stay behind it until it moves or people are clear.
• Stay behind the stop line, never park on the tracks, and check for trains before opening doors.
• Never turn in front of a streetcar or train in the next lane going your way, even if it is stopped.
• Watch for passengers running to catch it, and check for trains before changing lanes.

Parking

When leaving a parked position, check mirrors and blind spots and yield to all traffic.

• Parallel parking: park in the direction of traffic, no more than 12 inches from the curb, or as close as possible to the edge where there is no curb.
• Angle parking is common in lots and on wide streets; some areas are back-in only.

Hills

Set the parking brake and leave the car in park (or in gear with a manual).

Disabled parking

Parking in a disabled space without a valid permit is illegal, even for a few minutes. Fines start at $165 and go up to $1,000.

Where you may not stop or park

• In a traffic lane, within an intersection, or double parked.
• On a sidewalk, crosswalk, bike lane or path, or on railroad or light rail tracks.
• On a bridge, overpass or in a tunnel, or between the two roads of a divided highway.
• In front of a driveway, or where signs, curbs or striped areas prohibit it.
• Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
• Within 15 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side, or 75 feet on the opposite side.
• Within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
• Within 50 feet of a traffic signal or sign if your car would hide it.
• Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad or light rail crossing.
• Within 7 1/2 feet of tracks if it would interfere with a train.

Emergency parking

If you break down and have no choice, you may stop where parking is normally banned, with your hazard lights on. If your car cannot be seen from 200 feet in each direction, warn traffic with flags, flares or signals placed at least 200 feet away. If you leave the car, turn off the engine, take the key, set the brake and turn on the hazard lights.