This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance safety requirements for motor vehicle drivers approaching railroad crossings. It establishes that drivers must adhere to the same stopping requirements when on-track railroad equipment is present or approaching, as they would when a train is present. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing law by replacing the phrase "Obedience to signal indicating approach of train" with "Stopping requirements for motor vehicle drivers when approaching a railroad crossing." It also includes new provisions that require drivers to stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail when encountering either a train or moving on-track equipment.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that any driver who fails to comply with these requirements will be guilty of a misdemeanor, subject to a fine of $100 or imprisonment for up to 10 days. The legislation also allows for the imposition of three points against the violator's driver's license record, although this penalty does not apply if the warning signal device is malfunctioning. Overall, the bill aims to improve safety at railroad crossings by ensuring that drivers are aware of and adhere to the necessary precautions when on-track equipment is present.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17C-12-1