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SB 1074

Relating to funding for services for vulnerable individuals.

2025 Regular Session

Arizona SB 1074 expands crossing rules to cover other on-track equipment, detailing when and how vehicles and pedestrians must stop or proceed at railroad grade crossings.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 1074

Summary — SB 1074 (Railroad grade crossings / Arizona, 2025)

Status: Enacted (Chapter 178). Introduced Feb 3, 2025; approved by Governor May 13, 2025.
Primary changes: Amends A.R.S. §§ 28-851, 28-853 and 28-854.

Purpose and intent

The enacted bill clarifies and updates statutory safety rules for highway-railroad grade crossings. It broadens several provisions that previously referenced only “railroad trains” to also apply to “other on‑track equipment,” and clarifies driver, pedestrian and heavy‑equipment obligations at crossings to improve safety and reduce ambiguity about when crossings must be stopped or avoided.

Key provisions and changes

  • Sections amended: Arizona Revised Statutes 28‑851, 28‑853 and 28‑854.
  • Expanded coverage: Replaces repeated references to “railroad train” with “railroad train OR OTHER ON‑TRACK EQUIPMENT” throughout the three sections — explicitly covering non‑train rail vehicles/equipment (e.g., maintenance equipment).
  • Driver stopping requirements (A.R.S. 28‑851):
    • Drivers approaching a railroad grade crossing must stop within 50 feet but no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail when specified warnings are active.
    • Enumerates conditions requiring a stop: active signal device, lowered gates or flagman, audible signal from a train/other on‑track equipment approaching within ~1,500 feet and posing immediate hazard, plainly visible approaching train/other on‑track equipment in hazardous proximity, or any unsafe condition.
    • Exception for suspected false activations (no gate/barrier): after stopping a driver may proceed if all of the following are met: at least a one‑mile clear line of sight on the track, no evidence of approaching train/other on‑track equipment, safe to cross, and if a school bus, compliance with district policy.
    • Prohibits making U‑turns on tracks or crossing while gates/barriers are closed or moving.
  • Pedestrian restrictions (A.R.S. 28‑851):
    • Prohibits entering or remaining in the area between track and signal when crossing is active; limits staying on crossing to designated walkways when signals are inactive.
  • Special vehicle rules (A.R.S. 28‑853):
    • Drivers of passenger‑for‑hire vehicles, school buses carrying children, and vehicles delivering or returning after delivery of explosive or flammable cargo must stop 15–50 feet from the rail, listen/look both directions, and not proceed until safe.
    • After stopping these drivers must cross in a gear that requires no shifting while traversing the tracks.
    • Commercial motor vehicles may not enter a railroad/rail‑transit crossing unless there is sufficient space on the far side to accommodate the vehicle and enough undercarriage clearance so as not to obstruct rail vehicles.
  • Heavy equipment crossings (A.R.S. 28‑854):
    • Prohibits operating/moving heavy equipment over tracks unless:
    • Notice is given to a railroad station agent; and
    • Operator stops 15–50 feet from rail, listens and looks in both directions for approaching train/other on‑track equipment and signals, and does not proceed until safe.
    • Prohibits crossing when automatic signals, gates or a flagman warn of immediate approach; if flagman provided, movement is under flagman direction.
    • Exempts normal movement of farm equipment.
    • Defines “heavy equipment” (examples: crawler tractors, steam shovels, derricks, rollers) as equipment with normal operating speed ≤ 10 mph OR vertical body/load clearance less than 0.5 inch per foot between adjacent axles, or less than 9 inches above roadway surface.

Who is affected

  • Motorists generally — clearer stop/avoid rules at grade crossings.
  • Operators of passenger‑for‑hire vehicles and school buses (must stop and adhere to gear rules).
  • Drivers transporting explosive substances or flammable liquids.
  • Commercial motor vehicle drivers (must ensure space/clearance before entering crossings).
  • Operators/drivers of heavy equipment; railroad station agents and flagmen (notice, coordination, and control duties).
  • Pedestrians near grade crossings.
  • Railroads and agencies that operate on‑track equipment (the expanded language covers their equipment).

Practical impact and implications

  • Clarifies duty to stop and expands coverage to non‑train on‑track equipment, reducing legal ambiguity when maintenance or other rail vehicles approach crossings.
  • Provides an express limited exception for suspected false activations (one‑mile sightline), which may reduce unnecessary delays where crossing signals malfunction — but sets strict conditions to proceed.
  • Imposes coordination requirements (notice to station agent) for heavy equipment crossings which should reduce collisions and operational conflicts.
  • Likely to affect enforcement practices and require driver/industry outreach to inform affected vehicle operators about the amended rules.
  • No new fee, funding, or administrative agencies created; this is regulatory/statutory clarification.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced Feb 3, 2025; progressed through legislative process and was chaptered as Chapter 178 after Governor’s approval on May 13, 2025 — now effective as enacted law.

Note: The provided document also included unrelated drafts from other jurisdictions (several alternate SB 1074 drafts addressing environmental review in Hawaii and a technical amendment in Illinois). Those are separate bills in different states and are not part of Arizona’s enacted railroad‑grade‑crossing amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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