A10714 - Rail Safety Act of 2016

• Authorizes the Department of Transportation to establish a program for coordinated, biennial inspection of traffic-control signals interconnected with highway-rail grade crossing warning systems, with procedures applicable to all railroad corporations and municipalities with at-grade rail crossings.

• Establishes penalties for railroad common carriers violating transportation law provisions: up to $5,000 for general violations and up to $15,000 for violations involving freight cars required to be placarded for hazardous materials; each day of continuing violation counts as a separate offense.

• Aligns railroad bridge inspection requirements with federal regulations under 49 U.S.C. and 49 CFR Part 237, replacing state-specific standards with federal compliance requirements for bridge safety management programs, inspections, and maintenance.

• Increases penalties for driving through railroad grade crossing gates or barriers while closed: second violations within 30 months now draw fines up to $750 (increased from $500) and third violations draw fines up to $1,000 (increased from $750).

• Establishes new penalties for violating railroad grade crossing signal requirements: first conviction up to $150 fine or 15 days imprisonment; second conviction within 18 months up to $500 fine or 45 days imprisonment; third or subsequent conviction within 18 months up to $750 fine or 90 days imprisonment.