Ohio Rev. Code » Chapter 5589
Ohio Revised Code

Ohio Rev. Code § 5589.20 (2026)

Findings as to improper obstruction of railroad grade crossings by trains

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Effective:
October 27, 2000
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 207 - 123rd General Assembly
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The general assembly finds that the improper obstruction of railroad grade crossings by trains is a direct threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this state inasmuch as improper obstructions create uniquely different local safety problems by preventing the timely movement of ambulances, the vehicles of law enforcement officers and firefighters, and official and unofficial vehicles transporting health care officials and professionals. It is the intent of the general assembly in amending sections 5589.21, 5589.24, and 5589.99 of the Revised Code that the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this state be enhanced through those amendments.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 2003–2022 · leading case: State v. CSX Transp., Inc., 2022-Ohio-2832, 200 N.E.3d 215.
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State v. CSX Transp., Inc., 2022-Ohio-2832, 200 N.E.3d 215. · cites it 40× “R.C. 5589.20. {¶ 3} The Termination Act created the Surface Transportation Board and grants the board exclusive jurisdiction over “transportation by rail carriers.”
State v. CSX Transp., Inc., 2020-Ohio-2665, 154 N.E.3d 327. · cites it 3× “The State highlighted the language of R.C. 5589.20, in which the Ohio Legislature specifically expressed its intent to protect the health, safety and welfare of Ohio’s citizens by enacting R.”
Howard v. Miami Twp. Fire Div., 119 Ohio St. 3d 1 (2008). “1996) 803, defines ‘obstruct’ as follows: ‘to block or close up by an obstacle; to hinder from passage, action or operation; to cut off from sight’ ” and concluding that R.C. 5589.20 and R.C. 5589.21, which prohibit railroads from obstructing a public street or roadway,…”
State v. Wheeling & Lake Erie Ry. Co., 786 N.E.2d 504 (Ohio Ct. App. 6th Dist. 2003). · cites it 2× “R.C. 5589.20 provides: {¶ 12} “The general assembly finds that the improper obstruction of railroad grade crossings by- trains is a direct threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this state inasmuch as improper obstructions create uniquely different local…”
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