NC H408

Prohibits operation of freight trains and light engines by Class I railroads in North Carolina unless the train has a crew of at least two persons

Establishes criminal penalties for willful violations: Class 1 misdemeanor with fines of $250-$1,000 for first offense, $1,000-$5,000 for second offense within three years, and $5,000-$10,000 for third or subsequent offense within three years

Exempts locomotives being moved unattached to railcars within rail yards and employees temporarily assigned to work with train or yard crews under federal regulations (49 C.F.R. § 218.22)

Defines "light engine" as a locomotive or group of locomotives not attached to equipment, or attached only to a caboose, traveling not more than 30 miles outside a rail yard

Becomes effective January 1, 2022