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10-Minute Limit on Railroad Blocking of Public Crossings to Improve Safety.

This law establishes a strict 10-minute maximum time limit for freight trains to block public highway-rail crossings, significantly reducing commuter delays and improving traffic flow. It prioritizes public safety by allowing increased penalties if blockages delay emergency services like ambulances or fire trucks. The law mandates investigations and data collection for frequently blocked crossings to find permanent solutions.
Key points
Railroad carriers are prohibited from blocking public crossings for longer than 10 minutes, except in cases of accidents, mechanical failure, or emergencies.
Civil penalties can be issued to carriers that repeatedly violate the 10-minute rule, with higher fines if emergency services are delayed.
Authorities must investigate crossings blocked three or more times within a 30-day period to find permanent solutions.
Railroad companies must publish an active link on their websites to the national portal where citizens can report blocked crossings.
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Introduced
Citizen Poll
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Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_6790
Sponsor: Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29]
Process start date: 2025-12-17