Trains Go Digital: Simpler Certs for Locomotive Engineers
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 costing extra, all while keeping trains safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Railroads must state findings when revoking
Railroads must include findings of fact and the basis for those findings when they revoke an engineer's certification. If there is no applicable collective bargaining agreement, 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.
Simpler, electronic engineer certificates
Starting May 28, 2026, locomotive engineer certificates no longer must show the engineer's year of birth and may be issued electronically. Certificates must still identify the person (name, employee ID, and a physical description or photo) and may be electronic or small enough to carry in a wallet.
Railroad bears burden in certification hearings
In administrative hearings, the railroad will always be the "hearing petitioner" and must prove its case by a preponderance of the evidence, while the impacted engineer is the "hearing respondent." Also, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is no longer a mandatory party to hearings but may choose to participate.
Limits on using old knowledge exams
Section 240.217 now specifies that a knowledge examination conducted more than 366 days before a railroad's certification decision generally cannot be relied on. This change prevents duplicative testing and saves time and expense for railroads and engineers.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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