Which vehicles must always stop at railroad crossings, even if the lights are not flashing?

School buses are required to always stop at railroad crossings, regardless of whether the warning lights are activated. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of children who might be boarding or exiting the bus. When a school bus approaches a railroad crossing, it must stop, turn on its hazard lights, and check for oncoming trains before proceeding. This rule is designed to minimize the risk of accidents, especially given that children may not be aware of their surroundings and could be more distracted.

While other vehicles might have certain guidelines regarding stops at railroad crossings, school buses have a stricter requirement due to their role in transporting children. For example, fire trucks and construction vehicles may have different protocols, and passenger cars are also not generally required to stop unless specific signals are present. In contrast, the laws for school buses are centered on protecting the vulnerable passengers they carry.