HB5712 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 20246 AJT 35829 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB5712

Introduced 2/9/2010, by Rep. Elaine Nekritz

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

625 ILCS 5/1-167	from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1-167
625 ILCS 5/1-167.5 new
625 ILCS 5/1-187.001
625 ILCS 5/6-514	from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 6-514
625 ILCS 5/11-1011	from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1011
625 ILCS 5/11-1201	from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1201
625 ILCS 5/11-1202	from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1202
625 ILCS 5/11-1203	from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1203

Amends the Illinois Vehicle. Defines "railroad track equipment" as all vehicles operated upon rails for the purpose of the maintenance of railroads including, but not limited to, all hi-rail vehicles and on-track roadway maintenance machines. In provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code concerning approaching trains, provides that approaching railroad track equipment shall be treated the same approaching trains.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning transportation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by changing Sections 1-167, 1-187.001, 6-514, 11-1011, 11-1201, 11-1202, and 11-1203 and by adding Section 1-167.5 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/1-167) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1-167)

Sec. 1-167. Railroad sign or signal. Any sign, signal or device, other than an official traffic control signal or device, erected in accordance with the laws governing same and intended to give notice of the presence of railroad tracks or the approach of a railroad train or railroad track equipment.

(Source: P.A. 83-831.)

(625 ILCS 5/1-167.5 new)

Sec. 1-167.5. Railroad track equipment. All vehicles operated upon rails for the purpose of the maintenance of railroads including, but not limited to, all hi-rail vehicles and on-track roadway maintenance machines, as defined in 49 CFR, Part 214.7.

(625 ILCS 5/1-187.001)

Sec. 1-187.001. Serious traffic violation.

(a) A conviction when operating a motor vehicle for:

(1) a violation of subsection (a) of Section 11-402, relating to a motor vehicle accident involving damage to a vehicle;

(2) a violation of Section 11-403, relating to failure to stop and exchange information after a motor vehicle collision, property damage only;

(3) a violation of subsection (a) of Section 11-502, relating to illegal transportation, possession, or carrying of alcoholic liquor within the passenger area of any vehicle;

(4) a violation of Section 6-101 relating to operating a motor vehicle without a valid license or permit;

(5) a violation of Section 11-403, relating to failure to stop and exchange information or give aid after a motor vehicle collision involving personal injury or death;

(6) a violation relating to excessive speeding, involving a single speeding charge of 30 miles per hour or more above the legal speed limit;

(7) a violation relating to reckless driving;

(8) a violation of subsection (d) of Section 11-707, relating to passing in a no-passing zone;

(9) a violation of subsection (b) of Section 11-1402, relating to limitations on backing upon a controlled access highway;

(10) a violation of subsection (b) of Section 11-707, relating to driving on the left side of a roadway in a no-passing zone;

(11) a violation of subsection (e) of Section 11-1002, relating to failure to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian at an intersection;

(12) a violation of Section 11-1008, relating to failure to yield to a pedestrian on a sidewalk; or

(13) a violation of Section 11-1201, relating to failure to obey a signal indicating the approach of a stop for an approaching railroad train or railroad track equipment signals; or

(b) Any other similar violation of a law or local ordinance of any state relating to motor vehicle traffic control, other than a parking violation.

(c) A violation of any of these defined serious traffic offenses shall not preclude the defendant from being eligible to receive an order of court supervision under Section 5-6-1 of the Unified Code of Corrections.

(Source: P.A. 90-369, eff. 1-1-98.)

(625 ILCS 5/6-514) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 6-514)

Sec. 6-514. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Disqualifications.

(a) A person shall be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for a period of not less than 12 months for the first violation of:

(1) Refusing to submit to or failure to complete a test or tests to determine the driver's blood concentration of alcohol, other drug, or both, while driving a commercial motor vehicle or, if the driver is a CDL holder, while driving a non-CMV; or

(2) Operating a commercial motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration of the person's blood, breath or urine is at least 0.04, or any amount of a drug, substance, or compound in the person's blood or urine resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of cannabis listed in the Cannabis Control Act, a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act as indicated by a police officer's sworn report or other verified evidence; or operating a non-commercial motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration of the person's blood, breath, or urine was above the legal limit defined in Section 11-501.1 or 11-501.8 or any amount of a drug, substance, or compound in the person's blood or urine resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of cannabis listed in the Cannabis Control Act, a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act as indicated by a police officer's sworn report or other verified evidence while holding a commercial driver's license; or

(3) Conviction for a first violation of:

(i) Driving a commercial motor vehicle or, if the driver is a CDL holder, driving a non-CMV while under the influence of alcohol, or any other drug, or combination of drugs to a degree which renders such person incapable of safely driving; or

(ii) Knowingly and wilfully leaving the scene of an accident while operating a commercial motor vehicle or, if the driver is a CDL holder, while driving a non-CMV; or

(iii) Driving a commercial motor vehicle or, if the driver is a CDL holder, driving a non-CMV while committing any felony; or

(iv) Driving a commercial motor vehicle while the person's driving privileges or driver's license or permit is revoked, suspended, or cancelled or the driver is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle; or

(v) Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a commercial motor vehicle, including but not limited to the crimes of motor vehicle manslaughter, homicide by a motor vehicle, and negligent homicide.

As used in this subdivision (a)(3)(v), "motor vehicle manslaughter" means the offense of involuntary manslaughter if committed by means of a vehicle; "homicide by a motor vehicle" means the offense of first degree murder or second degree murder, if either offense is committed by means of a vehicle; and "negligent homicide" means reckless homicide under Section 9-3 of the Criminal Code of 1961 and aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination thereof under subdivision (d)(1)(F) of Section 11-501 of this Code.

If any of the above violations or refusals occurred while transporting hazardous material(s) required to be placarded, the person shall be disqualified for a period of not less than 3 years.

(b) A person is disqualified for life for a second conviction of any of the offenses specified in paragraph (a), or any combination of those offenses, arising from 2 or more separate incidents.

(c) A person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for life if the person either (i) uses a commercial motor vehicle in the commission of any felony involving the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance, or possession with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense a controlled substance or (ii) if the person is a CDL holder, uses a non-CMV in the commission of a felony involving any of those activities.

(d) The Secretary of State may, when the United States Secretary of Transportation so authorizes, issue regulations in which a disqualification for life under paragraph (b) may be reduced to a period of not less than 10 years. If a reinstated driver is subsequently convicted of another disqualifying offense, as specified in subsection (a) of this Section, he or she shall be permanently disqualified for life and shall be ineligible to again apply for a reduction of the lifetime disqualification.

(e) A person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for a period of not less than 2 months if convicted of 2 serious traffic violations, committed in a commercial motor vehicle, arising from separate incidents, occurring within a 3 year period. However, a person will be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for a period of not less than 4 months if convicted of 3 serious traffic violations, committed in a commercial motor vehicle, arising from separate incidents, occurring within a 3 year period.

(e-1) A person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for a period of not less than 2 months if convicted of 2 serious traffic violations committed in a non-CMV while holding a CDL, arising from separate incidents, occurring within a 3 year period, if the convictions would result in the suspension or revocation of the CDL holder's non-CMV privileges. A person shall be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for a period of not less than 4 months, however, if he or she is convicted of 3 or more serious traffic violations committed in a non-CMV while holding a CDL, arising from separate incidents, occurring within a 3 year period, if the convictions would result in the suspension or revocation of the CDL holder's non-CMV privileges.

(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, any driver disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, pursuant to this UCDLA, shall not be eligible for restoration of commercial driving privileges during any such period of disqualification.

(g) After suspending, revoking, or cancelling a commercial driver's license, the Secretary of State must update the driver's records to reflect such action within 10 days. After suspending or revoking the driving privilege of any person who has been issued a CDL or commercial driver instruction permit from another jurisdiction, the Secretary shall originate notification to such issuing jurisdiction within 10 days.

(h) The "disqualifications" referred to in this Section shall not be imposed upon any commercial motor vehicle driver, by the Secretary of State, unless the prohibited action(s) occurred after March 31, 1992.

(i) A person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with the following:

(1) For 6 months upon a first conviction of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) or subsection (b-3) of Section 6-507 of this Code.

(2) For 2 years upon a second conviction of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) or subsection (b-3) or any combination of paragraphs (2) or (3) of subsection (b) or subsections (b-3) or (b-5) of Section 6-507 of this Code within a 10-year period if the second conviction is a violation of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) or subsection (b-3).

(3) For 3 years upon a third or subsequent conviction of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) or subsection (b-3) or any combination of paragraphs (2) or (3) of subsection (b) or subsections (b-3) or (b-5) of Section 6-507 of this Code within a 10-year period if the third or subsequent conviction is a violation of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) or subsection (b-3).

(4) For one year upon a first conviction of paragraph (3) of subsection (b) or subsection (b-5) of Section 6-507 of this Code.

(5) For 3 years upon a second conviction of paragraph (3) of subsection (b) or subsection (b-5) or any combination of paragraphs (2) or (3) of subsection (b) or subsections (b-3) or (b-5) of Section 6-507 of this Code within a 10-year period if the second conviction is a violation of paragraph (3) of subsection (b) or (b-5).

(6) For 5 years upon a third or subsequent conviction of paragraph (3) of subsection (b) or subsection (b-5) or any combination of paragraphs (2) or (3) of subsection (b) or subsections (b-3) or (b-5) of Section 6-507 of this Code within a 10-year period if the third or subsequent conviction is a violation of paragraph (3) of subsection (b) or (b-5).

(j) Disqualification for railroad-highway grade crossing violation.

(1) General rule. A driver who is convicted of a violation of a federal, State, or local law or regulation pertaining to one of the following 6 offenses at a railroad-highway grade crossing must be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for the period of time specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection (j) if the offense was committed while operating a commercial motor vehicle:

(i) For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train or railroad track equipment, as described in subsection (a-5) of Section 11-1201 of this Code;

(ii) For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to stop before reaching the crossing, if the tracks are not clear, as described in subsection (a) of Section 11-1201 of this Code;

(iii) For drivers who are always required to stop, failing to stop before driving onto the crossing, as described in Section 11-1202 of this Code;

(iv) For all drivers, failing to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping, as described in subsection (b) of Section 11-1425 of this Code;

(v) For all drivers, failing to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing, as described in subdivision (a)2 of Section 11-1201 of this Code;

(vi) For all drivers, failing to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance, as described in subsection (d-1) of Section 11-1201 of this Code.

(2) Duration of disqualification for railroad-highway grade crossing violation.

(i) First violation. A driver must be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for not less than 60 days if the driver is convicted of a violation described in paragraph (1) of this subsection (j) and, in the three-year period preceding the conviction, the driver had no convictions for a violation described in paragraph (1) of this subsection (j).

(ii) Second violation. A driver must be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for not less than 120 days if the driver is convicted of a violation described in paragraph (1) of this subsection (j) and, in the three-year period preceding the conviction, the driver had one other conviction for a violation described in paragraph (1) of this subsection (j) that was committed in a separate incident.

(iii) Third or subsequent violation. A driver must be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for not less than one year if the driver is convicted of a violation described in paragraph (1) of this subsection (j) and, in the three-year period preceding the conviction, the driver had 2 or more other convictions for violations described in paragraph (1) of this subsection (j) that were committed in separate incidents.

(k) Upon notification of a disqualification of a driver's commercial motor vehicle privileges imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in accordance with 49 C.F.R. 383.52, the Secretary of State shall immediately record to the driving record the notice of disqualification and confirm to the driver the action that has been taken.

(Source: P.A. 95-382, eff. 8-23-07; 96-544, eff. 1-1-10.)

(625 ILCS 5/11-1011) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1011)

Sec. 11-1011. Bridge and railroad signals.

(a) No pedestrian shall enter or remain upon any bridge or approach thereto beyond the bridge signal, gate, or barrier after a bridge operation signal indication has been given.

(b) No pedestrian shall pass through, around, over, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad grade crossing or bridge while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.

(c) No pedestrian shall enter, remain upon or traverse over a railroad grade crossing or pedestrian walkway crossing a railroad track when an audible bell or clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device is operational giving warning of the presence, approach, passage, or departure of a railroad train or railroad track equipment.

(d) A violation of any part of this Section is a petty offense for which a $250 fine shall be imposed for a first violation, and a $500 fine shall be imposed for a second or subsequent violation. The court may impose 25 hours of community service in place of the $250 fine for a first violation.

(e) Local authorities shall impose fines as established in subsection (d) for pedestrians who fail to obey signals indicating the presence, approach, passage, or departure of a train or railroad track equipment.

(Source: P.A. 92-814, eff. 1-1-03.)

(625 ILCS 5/11-1201) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1201)

Sec. 11-1201. Obedience to signal indicating approach of train or railroad track equipment.

(a) Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing where the driver is not always required to stop, the person must exercise due care and caution as the existence of a railroad track across a highway is a warning of danger, and under any of the circumstances stated in this Section, the driver shall stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall not proceed until the tracks are clear and he or she can do so safely. The foregoing requirements shall apply when:

1. A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train or railroad track equipment;

2. A crossing gate is lowered or a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train or railroad track equipment;

3. A railroad train or railroad track equipment approaching a highway crossing emits a warning signal and such railroad train or railroad track equipment, by reason of its speed or nearness to such crossing, is an immediate hazard;

4. An approaching railroad train or railroad track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing;

5. A railroad train or railroad track equipment is approaching so closely that an immediate hazard is created.

(a-5) Whenever a person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing where the driver is not always required to stop but must slow down, the person must exercise due care and caution as the existence of a railroad track across a highway is a warning of danger, and under any of the circumstances stated in this Section, the driver shall slow down within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall not proceed until he or she checks that the tracks are clear of an approaching train or railroad track equipment.

(b) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.

(c) The Department, and local authorities with the approval of the Department, are hereby authorized to designate particularly dangerous highway grade crossings of railroads and to erect stop signs thereat. When such stop signs are erected the driver of any vehicle shall stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall proceed only upon exercising due care.

(d) At any railroad grade crossing provided with railroad crossbuck signs, without automatic, electric, or mechanical signal devices, crossing gates, or a human flagman giving a signal of the approach or passage of a train or railroad track equipment, the driver of a vehicle shall in obedience to the railroad crossbuck sign, yield the right-of-way and slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and shall stop, if required for safety, at a clearly marked stopped line, or if no stop line, within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely. If a driver is involved in a collision at a railroad crossing or interferes with the movement of a train or railroad track equipment after driving past the railroad crossbuck sign, the collision or interference is prima facie evidence of the driver's failure to yield right-of-way.

(d-1) No person shall, while driving a commercial motor vehicle, fail to negotiate a railroad-highway grade railroad crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance.

(d-5) (Blank).

(e) It is unlawful to violate any part of this Section.

(1) A violation of this Section is a petty offense for which a fine of $250 shall be imposed for a first violation, and a fine of $500 shall be imposed for a second or subsequent violation. The court may impose 25 hours of community service in place of the $250 fine for the first violation.

(2) For a second or subsequent violation, the Secretary of State may suspend the driving privileges of the offender for a minimum of 6 months.

(f) Corporate authorities of municipal corporations regulating operators of vehicles that fail to obey signals indicating the presence, approach, passage, or departure of a train or railroad track equipment shall impose fines as established in subsection (e) of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

(625 ILCS 5/11-1202) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1202)

Sec. 11-1202. Certain vehicles must stop at all railroad grade crossings.

(a) The driver of any of the following vehicles shall, before crossing a railroad track or tracks at grade, stop such vehicle within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and, while so stopped, shall listen and look for the approach of a train or railroad track equipment and shall not proceed until such movement can be made with safety:

1. Any second division vehicle carrying passengers for hire;

2. Any bus that meets all of the special requirements for school buses in Sections 12-801, 12-803, and 12-805 of this Code. The driver of the bus, in addition to complying with all other applicable requirements of this subsection (a), must also (i) turn off all noise producing accessories, including heater blowers, defroster fans, auxiliary fans, and radios, and (ii) open the service door and driver's window, before crossing a railroad track or tracks;

3. Any other vehicle which is required by Federal or State law to be placarded when carrying as a cargo or part of a cargo hazardous material as defined in the "Illinois Hazardous Materials Transportation Act".

After stopping as required in this Section, the driver shall proceed only in a gear not requiring a change of gears during the crossing, and the driver shall not shift gears while crossing the track or tracks.

(b) This Section shall not apply:

1. At any railroad grade crossing where traffic is controlled by a police officer or flagperson;

2. At any railroad grade crossing controlled by a functioning traffic-control signal transmitting a green indication which, under law, permits the vehicle to proceed across the railroad tracks without slowing or stopping, except that subsection (a) shall apply to any school bus;

3. At any streetcar grade crossing within a business or residence district; or

4. At any abandoned, industrial or spur track railroad grade crossing designated as exempt by the Illinois Commerce Commission and marked with an official sign as authorized in the State Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways.

(Source: P.A. 94-519, eff. 8-10-05; 95-756, eff. 1-1-09.)

(625 ILCS 5/11-1203) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1203)

Sec. 11-1203. Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossing.

(a) No person shall operate or move any crawler-type tractor, power shovel, derrick, roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of 10 or less miles per hour, or, for such equipment with 18 feet or less distance between two adjacent axles, having a vertical body or load clearance of less than 9 inches above a level surface, or, for such equipment with more than 18 feet between two adjacent axles, having a vertical body or load clearance of less than 1/2 inch per foot of distance between such adjacent axles above a level surface upon or across any tracks at a railroad grade crossing without first complying with this Section.

(b) Notice of any such intended crossing shall be given to a superintendent of such railroad and a reasonable time be given to such railroad to provide proper protection at such crossing.

(c) Before making any such crossing the person operating or moving any such vehicle or equipment shall first stop the same not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of such railway and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along such track for any approaching train or railroad track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or railroad track equipment, and shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely.

(d) No such crossing shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a flagman or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train, railroad track equipment, or car.

(Source: P.A. 76-2172.)