Railroads; stating certain intent; placing certain restrictions on driver duty times; making certain exception; effective date.

HB 1711 sets new driving time limits for contract carriers transporting railroad employees in vehicles carrying 15 or fewer passengers. It restricts drivers to 10 hours on duty after 8 hours off, 15 hours combined on/off duty, and 70 hours weekly, with a 2-hour emergency exception. The bill requires carriers to maintain detailed time records (6 months), driver qualification files (including annual driving record reviews), and mandates pre-duty alcohol/drug testing plus immediate post-accident testing for serious incidents. Drivers face disqualification for two or more serious traffic violations (e.g., DUI, speeding 15+ mph over limit, leaving accident scene) within three years. This directly affects Oklahoma-based contract carriers operating such vehicles.