Railroads that block grade crossings for more than five minutes would be subject to fines of $5,000 or more if the Ohio General Assembly approves legislation recently introduced by a Madison Township lawmaker.
The Butler County Journal-News said the bill introduced by Rep. Thomas Hall would impose fines in situations in which crossing are blocked “to the hindrance of traffic.”
Hall said he and fellow legislator Jessica Miranda of Forest Park sought to draft the bill in a manner that enable it to withstand a legal challenge.
Many state blocked railroad crossing laws have been overturned by courts ruling that regulation of railroads is a federal responsibility.
The proposed legislation would require railroads to report blocked crossing incidents to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
The fines would be imposed for failing to report the incident.
Tags: blocked railroad crossings, Ohio General Assembly, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, railroad crossings
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