4955.44 Railroad quiet zones - other laws preempted - emergency exception - suspension of status. - Ohio Statutes

4955.44 Railroad quiet zones - other laws preempted - emergency exception - suspension of status.

(A) On and after the date of first operation of a railroad quiet zone established pursuant to section 4955.42 of the Revised Code, divisions (B)(1) and (2) of section 4955.32 and division (A)(2) of section 4999.04 of the Revised Code do not apply with respect to a public or private grade crossing included in the zone.

(B) The establishment of a railroad quiet zone pursuant to sections 4955.41 to 4955.47 of the Revised Code does not preclude the sounding of a locomotive whistle, horn, bell, or other audible device by an engineer or other person in charge of the locomotive to address a perceived potential for injury, death, or loss to person or property, as determined by the sole judgment of the engineer or other person.

(C) The commission may suspend summarily the operation of a quiet zone established pursuant to section 4955.42 of the Revised Code if the commission, through any source, obtains sufficient, credible evidence showing that a condition at a public grade crossing located within a quiet zone has changed to such an extent that, even with the continuing existence of the supplemental safety measures at the crossing, the quiet zone no longer qualifies as such under federal law or the commission determines that public safety is otherwise compromised at the crossing. Within fifteen days following the quiet zone suspension date described in this division, the commission shall hold a hearing in the general vicinity of the quiet zone in question to determine whether the quiet zone suspension should be lifted or continued, or whether commission approval of the quiet zone should be rescinded and the quiet zone eliminated.

Effective Date: 11-18-2004