Locomotive Engineers Switch to Electronic Certificates for Easier Compliance
Published Date: 4/28/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 28, 2026, locomotive engineers will get simpler, electronic certificates, making life easier and greener! Railroads must now clearly explain why they revoke a certificate and always prove their case in hearings. These changes affect engineers and rail companies, cutting red tape without messing with safety—and no big costs are expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Electronic Certificates and Privacy
Starting May 28, 2026, railroads may issue locomotive engineer certificates electronically, and the rule removes the requirement to show an engineer's year of birth on the certificate. Engineers must still possess their certificate while on duty; if an engineer lacks a railroad-issued electronic device, the railroad must ensure a physical copy is available.
Required Findings in Revocations
Railroads must include written findings of fact and the basis for those findings when revoking a locomotive engineer's certification. When no applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) timelines apply, the railroad's revocation decision containing findings of fact must be prepared and signed no later than 10 days after the close of the record.
Railroad Bears Burden in Hearings
Regardless of who prevailed at the Operating Crew Review Board, the railroad that took the certification action will be the 'hearing petitioner' and must prove its case by a preponderance of the evidence in administrative hearings. FRA is no longer a mandatory party to hearings but may participate at its option. FRA notes administrative hearings have been requested in fewer than one percent of certification revocations.
Knowledge Exam Time Limit Clarified
The rule clarifies that a demonstrated knowledge examination relied on for certification cannot have been conducted more than 366 days before the railroad's certification decision, preventing duplicative knowledge exams and associated testing expense.
Small Entities: No Significant Impact
FRA certifies that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and finds the rule's net costs are less than zero, meaning it is an E.O. 14192 deregulatory action.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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