HB 862 requires railroad companies operating freight trains on tracks shared with passenger or commuter trains in Maryland to maintain a minimum crew of two people. This applies to most freight movement but excludes hostler service and yard operations for utility employees. Violations carry civil penalties up to $25,000 per incident, with railroad companies held solely responsible for employee violations. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, contingent on similar legislation passing in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
SB 156 requires that any freight train operating in Maryland on shared rail corridors with passenger trains must have at least two crew members. It directly affects railroad companies operating freight services, excluding light rail systems, rapid transit, and specific yard/utility operations. The bill takes effect only if neighboring states (New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia) enact similar laws by October 1, 2056, with implementation set for October 1, 2026, if the condition is met. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $25,000 for the railroad company. The law aims to establish minimum crew requirements for freight train safety under Maryland’s transportation regulations.
SB 175 authorizes the City of Cumberland to install and use traffic cameras (speed monitoring systems) specifically to enforce speed limits for tractor-trailers on certain sections of Interstate 68. This directly affects commercial truck drivers operating combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) traveling on that highway segment within Cumberland. The bill modifies Maryland law to allow these cameras, requiring that any leftover fines collected after covering system costs must fund local public safety programs and transportation improvements along the I-68 corridor in Cumberland. The law also includes definitions for terms like "speed monitoring system" and "erroneous violation" to ensure proper implementation and review of camera-recorded violations. (Note: The bill is pending, with a hearing canceled in January 2026.)
HB 246 clarifies that the registered owner of a Class G (trailer) vehicle is responsible for paying video tolls when a trailer passes through a toll facility without using an electronic toll system. The bill requires the Maryland Transportation Authority to send a notice of toll due to the registered owner’s address on file, giving them 30 days to pay before penalties apply. This directly affects commercial trailer owners who use Maryland toll roads, as it establishes clear billing procedures and penalties for unpaid tolls captured by video systems. The law updates existing toll regulations to specifically include trailers under video toll liability rules.
HB 253 updates Maryland's rules for heavy-weight truck permits used by carriers transporting sealed international freight containers. It requires vehicles to stay under 100,000 pounds, follow specific routes between Seagirt Marine Terminal and authorized destinations, travel only during permitted hours, and adhere to speed limits set on the permit. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish permit fees, axle weight limits, designated "heavy weight port corridor" routes, and approved destinations. This primarily affects trucking companies moving international cargo through the Seagirt Marine Terminal. The changes would take effect on June 1, 2026.
