Railroads: safety: wayside detectors: train length: emergency vehicle crossing.

Senator Archuleta's railroad safety legislation mandates the installation of electronic wayside detector systems along California's freight rail lines while establishing new limits on train length and emergency crossing protocols. The bill requires railroad corporations to place detector systems no more than 10 miles apart along continuous tracks, with exceptions up to 15 miles where terrain makes closer spacing infeasible. These systems scan passing trains for defects including hot bearings, dragging equipment, and wheel conditions.

The legislation sets a 7,500-foot maximum length for freight trains originating in California and requires out-of-state trains exceeding this limit to reduce their length when stopping to add or remove cars. Additionally, stopped trains blocking grade crossings must clear the intersection when emergency vehicles approach, unless mechanical failures prevent movement. The Public Utilities Commission would establish alert protocols for train crews receiving detector warnings and develop inspection standards following alerts.

The measure creates a graduated penalty structure for violations, with minimum fines of $25,000 for detector system requirements and escalating penalties starting at $5,000 for train length and crossing violations. Second violations within three years incur $10,000 minimum fines, while third violations face minimums of $25,000. The Commission retains authority to set higher penalties through its rulemaking process.