The Rail Safety National Law Application Amendment (Rolling Stock Lighting) Bill 2026 (Bill) has been introduced in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly. The Bill proposes to amend the Rail Safety National Law Application Act 2024 to insert new rolling stock lighting requirements into Part 3 of the Rail Safety National Law (WA), directed at improving the visibility of rolling stock near level crossings in Western Australia.
What is proposed
The Bill would insert a new Division 3A into Part 3 of the Rail Safety National Law (WA), imposing the following obligations on rolling stock operators:
- A rolling stock operator must not operate or move a unit of rolling stock within 1,000 metres of a level crossing on a railway in Western Australia unless the rolling stock is fitted with specified safety lights and those lights are activated.
- The rolling stock must be fitted with three external lights on each side (visible at 200 metres) and one forward-facing flashing amber light that emits a rotating amber-coloured flash between 120 and 200 times per minute and is visible at 500 metres in all directions (and must not be a strobe light).
- Rolling stock operators must inspect relevant rolling stock before it is operated or moved to ensure compliance with the lighting requirements, prepare and keep written records of the inspection procedure and results, and notify the Regulator in writing as soon as practicable if the rolling stock fails to comply. These requirements form part of the operator's safety management system.
Key exclusions and regulation-making powers
The lighting requirements do not apply to rolling stock operated in the Perth metropolitan region or the Mandurah local government district, unless the rolling stock is within 1,000 metres of a level crossing prescribed by regulations. Regulations may only prescribe a level crossing for this purpose if the Minister is satisfied that the crossing does not have a boom gate or a fixed and operational warning light system.
Commencement
If enacted, the substantive provisions of the Bill will commence on the day after the period of two years beginning on assent day, providing a transitional period for operators to achieve compliance.
Looking ahead
The Bill represents a WA-specific modification to the nationally harmonised Rail Safety National Law framework, targeting level crossing safety in regional areas. Industry participants operating rolling stock in Western Australia should monitor the progress of the Bill through Parliament and, if enacted, begin planning for compliance during the two-year lead-in period.
For further guidance, please contact Larissa Buriak and Chris Mitchell.
