Which motor vehicle must stop at all railroad grade crossings outside a business or residential district?

The requirement that certain vehicles must stop at all railroad grade crossings outside of business or residential districts is primarily related to safety protocols. Motor buses are specifically mandated to stop at these crossings due to their size and the potential for carrying passengers who may be at risk during a railroad crossing.

This regulation aims to ensure that the driver can safely observe and assess the situation at the crossing, minimizing the likelihood of accidents involving trains and larger vehicles. The stopping requirement enables the driver to look both ways and evaluate whether it is safe to proceed, which is crucial given the larger blind spots and longer stopping distances associated with buses compared to smaller vehicles.

Although trucks, motor homes, and vans may also have responsibilities associated with railroad crossings, the specific regulation that mandates stopping at all crossings is most directly applicable to motor buses. This emphasizes the heightened safety measures necessary for vehicles with greater passenger capacity and potential for severe outcomes in the event of a collision with a train.