Question: Every once in a while, I notice some vehicles stop in the road at the railroad tracks when nothing is coming. Can I pass them when they do this?

Answer: Some vehicles, such as passenger vans, buses, and larger trucks, are required to stop at all railroad tracks, whether or not a train is present. Do not pass these vehicles. It is illegal to pass any vehicle within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.

Here are some additional safety tips:

• Yield the right-of-way to trains at highway-rail crossings. It's the law.
• Never drive around lowering gates, it's illegal and deadly.
• Only cross tracks where they are marked with pedestrian crossing markings.
• Never race a train to the crossing, even if it is a tie, you lose.
• Expect a train on the track at any time, trains do not follow set schedules.
• Look out for the second train when crossing multiple tracks.
• Immediately get out of your vehicle if it stalls on the crossing, get clear of the tracks and call 911.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205.  (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).