Transportation (Freight)

SB 180 increases insurance requirements for specific Nevada motor carriers. It mandates that fully regulated carriers transporting only freight, and other common/contract/private carriers using vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds or more for intrastate freight, must maintain liability insurance or bonds. The minimum coverage starts at $1 million on January 1, 2026, rising to $1.25 million by 2028 and $1.5 million by 2030. The bill also requires the Department to create a separate, lower insurance category for vehicles under 26,000 pounds. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, for administrative purposes, with full implementation beginning in 2026.

AB 446 sets new safety requirements for Nevada's Class I and Class II railroads and railroad contract carriers. It prohibits freight trains over 7,500 feet long, mandates hot box detectors every 20 miles, requires immediate action to clear grade crossings during emergencies, and enforces strict lighting standards in railroad yards - especially for hazardous materials operations. The bill also imposes new rules on companies transporting railroad employees, including driver hour limits, alcohol testing after crashes, and annual vehicle safety inspections. Both railroads and these contract carriers must provide a $5 million bond to ensure compliance with all safety provisions.