Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing
Failing to stop at a railroad grade crossing when required by a stop sign or activated crossing signal.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
What is a Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing ticket?
CVC 22450(b) requires drivers to stop at railroad crossings when a traffic signal or stop sign is present, even if no train is approaching. This violation applies specifically to designated railroad crossing locations where a stop is required before proceeding across the tracks.
This ticket carries a fine between $238 and $490, plus 1 point on your DMV record. That point stays for 3 years and can increase your insurance rates by 15-25% annually, potentially costing you over $1,000 in added premiums.
One point on your record from this violation typically increases auto insurance premiums by 15-25% for three years. For many California drivers, this adds $600 to $1,500 in extra insurance costs over that period.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1A railroad crossing with a stop sign or crossing signal was present
- 2You failed to stop before the crossing as required
How Drivers Get This Ticket
A driver approached a railroad crossing with a stop sign but rolled through slowly without fully stopping because no train was visible in either direction.
Cited for CVC 22450(b) because a complete stop is required regardless of whether a train is approaching.
A motorist stopped several feet past the marked stop line at a railroad crossing before proceeding across the tracks.
Officer issued a citation because the stop must occur before the stop line, not after crossing it.
A driver stopped at the railroad crossing but the stop sign was completely obscured by overgrown vegetation and was not visible from the road.
Ticket was dismissed after the driver provided photos showing the sign was not reasonably visible to approaching traffic.
Common Defenses for Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
No active warning signal
CVC 22450(b) requires a complete stop at railroad crossings with stop signs or crossing gates. If the gates were not down and no warning lights were activated, challenge whether a stop was required.
Complete stop was made
Apply the same complete-stop analysis as for CVC 22450(a): challenge the officer's observation angle and ability to determine that the vehicle came to a full stop.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Dashcam footage showing you made a complete stop
- ✓Photos of obscured, damaged, or missing stop signs at the crossing
- ✓Photos showing poor visibility conditions or sign placement issues
- ✓Witness statements from passengers confirming you stopped
- ✓Evidence of improper sign installation or maintenance records
- ✓Photos showing the officer's view was obstructed
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Assuming a rolling stop or slow-down counts as a legal stop
- ✗Arguing that no train was coming—a stop is required regardless
- ✗Failing to document the condition of signs at the crossing immediately after receiving the ticket
- ✗Missing your deadline to respond to the ticket (typically 60 days)
- ✗Pleading guilty without considering traffic school to mask the point
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Frequently Asked Questions About Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing
Do I have to stop at a railroad crossing if no train is coming?▼
Yes, if there is a stop sign or signal at the crossing. CVC 22450(b) requires a complete stop regardless of whether a train is visible or approaching. The purpose is to ensure drivers are always prepared for train traffic.
Where exactly must I stop at a railroad crossing?▼
You must stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or limit line. If none exists, you must stop before entering the crossing itself. Stopping past these markers can still result in a citation.
Is this the same as running a regular stop sign?▼
The requirements are similar, but railroad crossing violations under CVC 22450(b) are treated with particular seriousness due to the severe safety risks. Both violations carry 1 DMV point, but railroad violations often receive more scrutiny.
Can I fight this ticket if the stop sign was hard to see?▼
Yes, if the stop sign was genuinely obscured by trees, damaged, faded beyond recognition, or improperly placed, you have a valid defense. Take photos of the current conditions as soon as possible to document the visibility issue.
Will this violation affect my commercial driver's license?▼
Yes, railroad crossing violations are serious for CDL holders. This could result in a 60-day CDL disqualification for a first offense. CDL holders should strongly consider fighting this ticket or consulting with an attorney.
Traffic School Option
Most drivers cited for CVC 22450(b) are eligible for traffic school if they haven't attended in the past 18 months. Completing traffic school keeps the point off your public driving record and prevents insurance increases.
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This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.