SCHOOL BUSES TO STOP AT ALL RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS. The Texas statute pertaining to school buses approaching a railroad crossing provides: (a) Except as provided by Subsection (c), the operator of a school bus, before crossing a track at a railroad grade crossing: (1) shall stop the vehicle not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the track; (2) while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and signals indicating the approach of a train; and (3) may not proceed until it is safe to do so. (b) After stopping as required by Subsection (a), the operator may proceed in a gear that permits the vehicle to complete the crossing without a change of gears. The operator may not shift gears while crossing the track. (c) An operator is not required to stop at: (1) an abandoned railroad grade crossing that is marked with a sign reading "tracks out of service"; or (2) an industrial or spur line railroad grade crossing that is marked with a sign reading "exempt." (d) A sign under Subsection (c) may be erected only by or with the consent of the appropriate state or local governmental official. Section 545.2535 of the Texas Transportation Code Violations involving school busses crossing railroad tracks are moving violations in Texas, which will result in two points on your driving record for a conviction under the Texas point system. An additional point will be accessed if the violation resulted in a accident. CONTACT HAWKINS & WALKER PC If you have been charged with a violation while operating a school bus in Tarrant, Dallas, Wise, Parker or Denton County, we can fight your citation. At Hawkins & Walker, PC, our traffic ticket attorneys are passionate about helping you keep your driving record clean to avoid increased insurance rates, surcharges or suspensions. At Hawkins & Walker PC, our mission is to provide clients with quality legal services and personalized attention. We offer affordable prices and payment plans in some cases. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney, please contact us today. FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION— it costs you nothing to talk to a traffic ticket lawyer about your case. |