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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
railroad grade crossing; on-track equipment
Purpose
Applies railroad crossing regulations to other on-track equipment.
Background
When a driver approaches a railroad grade crossing, the driver must stop between 50 feet and 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and may not proceed if: 1) a clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a train; 2) a crossing gate is lowered or a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a train; 3) a train approaching within approximately 1,500 feet of the crossing emits a audible signal and the train is an immediate hazard by reason of its speed or proximity to the crossing; 4) an approaching train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing; or 5) any other condition exists that makes it unsafe to proceed through the crossing. A driver who suspects a false activation or malfunction of a railroad grade crossing signal where there is no gate or barrier may proceed through the crossing after stopping if outlined conditions apply, including a lack of evidence of an approaching train (A.R.S. § 28-851).
A school bus and other specified vehicles must stop between 50 feet and 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad, listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train and not proceed until the driver can do so safely (A.R.S. § 28-853).
A person may not operate or move any heavy equipment on or across a track at a railroad grade crossing unless a railroad station agent is notified of the intended crossing and the driver stops between 50 feet and 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and listens and looks in both directions along the track for an approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train (A.R.S. § 28-854).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Includes other on-track equipment in the rules and requirements for railroad crossing safety, railroad stops required for certain vehicles and railroad crossing with heavy equipment.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
TI 1/31/24 DP 9-0-0-1
3rd Read 2/20/24 47-10-2-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 6, 2024
MG/cs