Q: Alan Reynolds of San Jacinto said he often drives through Hemet. “There are old railroad tracks and a sign that says ‘tracks out of service.’ School buses still stop and look both ways regardless. Is this a law they have to follow or is the driver just being overly cautious?” he asked.

A: California Vehicle Code section 22452 requires certain vehicles, including buses, school buses and farm labor vehicles carrying passengers, to stop at all railroad crossings as a precaution to prevent accidents with oncoming trains. The law says drivers must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest railroad track, look and listen for approaching trains, and not go until it is safe. Failure to comply can result in penalties, including fines and disqualification from driving.

While it seems unnec

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