NC H438

Establishes a maximum freight train length of 8,500 feet for all railroads operating on main lines or branch lines in North Carolina

Exempts railroads operating only tourist, scenic, or historic excursions from the length restriction

Defines "main line" as railroads subject to federal regulation that transport 5,000,000 or more gross tons of goods annually

Imposes Class I misdemeanor penalties with escalating fines: $250-$1,000 for first offense, $1,000-$5,000 for second offense within three years, and $5,000-$10,000 for third and subsequent offenses within a three-year period

Becomes effective October 1, 2021