HB11 Summary

• Amends Section 37-8-115 of the Code of Alabama to establish a 10-minute maximum time limit for railroad trains to obstruct public streets, roads, or highway crossings-at-grade.

• Railroad corporations or companies violating the obstruction limit are liable for civil penalties not exceeding $1,000 for each violation, with each additional 10-minute period or portion thereof constituting a separate offense.

• Requires train crews, yard crews, or engine crews to immediately take all reasonable steps consistent with safe operation to clear crossings upon receiving information from law enforcement officers, fire department members, or emergency vehicle operators that clearing is necessary.

• Mandates train crews to exercise good faith judgment to determine how long a stopped train will obstruct a crossing and inform local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and rescue squads of expected duration.

• Provides affirmative defense to prosecution when obstruction is caused by acts of God, train breakdown, or vandalism, and maintains existing protections for crew members following employer orders.