SB202 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Railroad crossing, requirement to stop, approach of other on-track equipment covered, Secs. 32-5A-150, 32-5A-151, 32-5A-152 am'd.

Summary

Expands railroad crossing rules to require stopping when other on-track equipment approaches, not just trains.

What This Bill Does

The bill would require drivers and operators of certain heavy equipment to stop at railroad grade crossings when other on-track equipment is approaching, in addition to trains, with the same penalties for violations. It updates the stopping rules to require stopping 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, then listening and looking before crossing and proceeding only when it is safe. It maintains existing safety practices with gates, signals, or flagmen, and clarifies that the law applies to heavy equipment such as crawler-type tractors and similar machinery. It notes a local-funding consideration but is exempt from the usual local-expenditure vote requirements, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• Drivers of vehicles at railroad grade crossings would need to stop within 15-50 feet and follow stop/listen/look rules when other on-track equipment or trains are approaching.
• Operators of heavy equipment and other on-track equipment (e.g., crawler-type tractors, steam shovels, derricks, rollers) would be subject to the same stopping requirements before crossing.

Key Provisions

• Amends 32-5A-150, 32-5A-151, and 32-5A-152 to require stopping at railroad grade crossings when other on-track equipment is approaching, in addition to trains.
• Sets a stopping distance of 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail and requires stopping, listening, and looking before crossing, with safe progression only when it is safe to do so.
• Keeps and enforces crossing rules tied to gates, signals, and flagmen; prohibits crossing while gates are closing or signals indicate danger.
• Extends stopping requirements to heavy equipment and other on-track equipment such as crawler-type tractors, steam shovels, derricks, and rollers.
• Notes that while the bill could require new local funds, it is exempt from local-expenditure vote requirements under Amendment 621; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's 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

Motor Vehicles