HB11 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joseph C. Mitchell

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Trains obstructing streets, removal required in certain circumstances, time limit imposed, civil penalties, Sec. 37-8-115 am'd.

Summary

HB11 would ban standing trains from blocking public crossings for more than 10 minutes, require crews to move crossings during emergencies, and impose civil penalties on railroads that violate the rule.

What This Bill Does

It makes it unlawful for a railroad train to obstruct any public crossing for more than 10 minutes, and treats each additional 10-minute block as a separate offense with civil penalties up to $1,000 for the railroad. It requires train crews to take steps to clear the crossing when told by law enforcement, fire departments, or emergency vehicle operators, and to inform authorities about stoppage duration when possible. It preserves personal liability protections for crew members if the obstruction was necessary to follow employer orders, but holds the railroad company responsible, and it provides defenses for acts of God, breakdowns, or vandalism; it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Railroad corporations and train crews (including yard and engine crews) who would be limited by the 10-minute obstruction rule, face civil penalties for violations, and must take action to clear crossings in emergencies.
• The general public and local authorities (drivers, pedestrians, law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency responders) who benefit from shorter crossing blockages, mandated crossing clearance during emergencies, and heightened coordination with railroads.

Key Provisions

• 10-minute limit: It shall be unlawful for any railroad train to obstruct a crossing for more than 10 minutes; after the initial 10 minutes, each 10-minute period or portion is a separate offense.
• Civil penalties: The railroad owning or operating a train violating this section is liable for a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000 for each violation.
• Emergency clearance: Train crews must immediately take reasonable steps to clear the crossing upon information from law enforcement, fire department, or emergency vehicle operators.
• Notification and judgment: If a train is stopped on a track, crews must use good faith judgment to determine stoppage duration and inform local law enforcement, fire department, and rescue squads.
• Liability and defenses: No crew member shall be held personally responsible if obstruction was necessary to comply with employer orders; railroad remains responsible; defenses include acts of God, breakdowns, or vandalism.
• Effective date: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Trains