Which vehicles are required by state law to stop at railroad crossings outside city limits where no traffic control device is in operation?

The requirement for certain vehicles to stop at railroad crossings outside city limits where no traffic control device is in operation is primarily focused on public safety and the heightened risks associated with larger, commercial vehicles. Buses carrying passengers for hire have a greater responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers and must take extra precautions. This is why they are mandated by law to stop at these crossings.

In contrast, while various types of vehicles like all motor vehicles, trucks over 26,000 lbs, and emergency vehicles may have their own rules for crossing based on safety standards and operational protocols, they are not specifically required by state law to stop in the same broad context as buses carrying passengers for hire. Emergency vehicles have priority in many situations and can often proceed without stopping when responding to an emergency. The focus on buses reflects the particular legal emphasis on the duties of transport carriers to ensure safety at intersections with potential hazards, such as railroad tracks.