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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First 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 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 is an immediate hazard by reason of its speed or proximity to the crossing; 4) an approaching train is plainly visible and 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 (A.R.S. § 28-851).
A driver of a motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, any school bus carrying school children, any vehicle carrying or returning after delivery of explosive substances or flammable liquids and a person operating or moving any heavy equipment on or across a track at a railroad grade crossing who has given notice of the crossing must stop between 50 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 may not proceed until the driver can do so safely (A.R.S. §§ 28-853 and 28-854).
On-track equipment is a carriage or other contrivance that runs on rails or electromagnetic guideways (18 U.S.C. § 1992).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Incorporates other on-track equipment in the rules and requirements for railroad crossing safety, required stops for specified vehicles and moving heavy equipment.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 27, 2025
KJA/AG/slp