(a)        No person shall operate or move any crawler-type tractor, crane, or roller or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of five or less miles per hour upon or across any tracks at a railroad crossing without first complying with this section.

(b)        Notice of any intended crossing described in subsection (a) of this section shall be given to a superintendent of the railroad and a reasonable time be given to the railroad to provide protection at the crossing.

(c)        Before making any crossing described in subsection (a) of this section, the person operating or moving the vehicle or equipment shall:

(1)        Stop the vehicle or equipment not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad;

(2)        While stopped, shall listen and look both directions along the track for any approaching train or on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or on-track equipment; and

(3)        Shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely.

(d)       No crossing described in subsection (a) of this section shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a flagman or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or on-track equipment.

(e)        Subsection (c) of this section shall not apply at any railroad crossing where State or local authorities have determined that trains are not operating during certain periods or seasons of the year and have erected an official sign carrying the legend “Exempt”.

(f)        Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of an infraction and punished in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-176 Violation of this section shall not constitute negligence per se.

(g)        An employer who knowingly allows, requires, permits, or otherwise authorizes a driver of a commercial motor vehicle to violate this section shall be guilty of an infraction. Such employer will also be subject to a civil penalty under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-37.21 ?(1991, c. 368, s. 1; 2005-349, s. 15; 2019-36, s. 4.)