MI HB5642

Requires drivers of vehicles transporting 16 or more passengers, vehicles carrying passengers for hire, or vehicles required to be marked under federal hazmat regulations to activate hazard lights and stop 15-50 feet from railroad tracks before crossing at grade

Mandates stopped drivers listen and look both directions for approaching trains or on-track equipment and signals before proceeding only when safe to do so

Prohibits drivers from shifting gears while crossing railroad tracks; crossing must be done in a single gear that does not require gear changes during traversal

Exempts stops when a police officer or traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed, at inactive railroad tracks (with track covered/removed and all warning devices removed), or at crossings marked with "exempt" signs approved by the state transportation department

Violation of these requirements constitutes a civil infraction; the bill takes effect 90 days after enactment