Senate Bill 156 Summary

• Requires vehicle drivers to stop at railroad grade crossings upon approach of on-track equipment (in addition to trains), within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest track.

• Extends railroad crossing safety requirements to include "other on-track equipment" in addition to trains across four sections of Indiana Code governing motor vehicle operation.

• Applies updated crossing procedures to operators of heavy equipment (caterpillar tractors, steam shovels, derricks, rollers weighing over 10 tons) and drivers of buses carrying passengers or hazardous cargo.

• Expands the definition of serious traffic violations for commercial motor vehicle drivers to include failure to slow down or stop for approaching on-track equipment at railroad crossings.

• Effective date: July 1, 2010.