SB202 Summary

• Amends Sections 32-5A-150, 32-5A-151, and 32-5A-152 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to expand railroad grade crossing safety requirements to cover approaching on-track equipment in addition to railroad trains.

• Requires drivers to stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and obey signals when any on-track equipment approaches, including electric/mechanical signals, crossing gates, flagman signals, audible warnings within 1,500 feet, or visible hazardous proximity.

• Applies the same stopping and safety requirements to vehicles described in Director of Transportation regulations and to persons operating heavy equipment (crawler tractors, steam shovels, derricks, rollers, and similar equipment with operating speeds of 10 mph or less).

• Violations remain misdemeanors with the same criminal penalties as violations of existing railroad crossing laws.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval; excludes bill from Amendment 621 requirements because it defines or amends a crime definition.