Autonomous Vehicle Navigation in Response to a Stopped Vehicle at a Railroad Crossing

A control device associated with an autonomous vehicle receives sensor data and detects that the autonomous vehicle is approaching a railroad crossing based on the sensor data. The control device determines that no train is approaching the railroad crossing from the sensor data. The control device detects an indication of a stopped vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle and behind the railroad crossing. The control device determines whether the stopped vehicle is associated with a mandatory stop rule. The mandatory stop rule indicates vehicles carrying hazardous materials have to stop behind the railroad crossing even when no train is approaching or traveling through the railroad crossing. If it is determined that the stopped vehicle is associated with the mandatory stop rule, the control device waits behind the stopped vehicle until the stopped vehicle crosses the railroad crossing and instructs the autonomous vehicle to cross the railroad.