The bill amends the Motor Carrier Safety Act to establish specific regulations for motor carriers transporting railroad employees. It introduces a new definition for "motor carrier of railroad employees" and mandates that these carriers implement policies for driver training, conduct criminal background checks, maintain liability insurance, and ensure vehicle inspections. Drivers are required to possess valid licenses, pass physical examinations, and perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections. The bill also outlines disqualification criteria for drivers based on certain convictions and specifies vehicle equipment requirements, including safety belts and communication devices. The Department of Transportation is authorized to inspect these carriers for compliance.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for an emergency road kit in vehicles, which must contain essential items like a blanket and flares, and requires vehicles to display identification markings that are legible from at least fifty feet away. It sets regulations for drivers' hours of service, including maximum driving hours and on-duty time, and mandates a drug and alcohol testing program compliant with federal standards. The bill also updates safety belt requirements to align with current SAE International standards. These provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 65-1-2, 65-3-1, 65-3-3, 65-3-4, 65-3-11, 65-3-14, 66-3-875