# 2026-08258: Trains Let Cars Hit 45 MPH Near Special Curbs in Quiet Zones

2026-08258, Regulatory Relief To Allow Speeds Up to 45 MPH for Non-Traversable Curbs, is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Railroad Administration published 2026-04-28, effective 2026-05-28; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08258
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-08258
- Title: Regulatory Relief To Allow Speeds Up to 45 MPH for Non-Traversable Curbs
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Railroad Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 22738
- Published: 2026-04-28
- Effective: 2026-05-28
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 2130-AD14
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## In one line

Trains Let Cars Hit 45 MPH Near Special Curbs in Quiet Zones

## Summary

Starting May 28, 2026, trains can safely allow cars to drive up to 45 mph near special curbs called non-traversable curbs in quiet zones. This change helps drivers go a bit faster without extra train horn noise, making travel smoother and safer. It affects communities with these curbs and could save time and money by reducing unnecessary slowdowns.

## Abstract

This rule revises the definition of a non-traversable curb in FRA's train horn regulation in conformance with five longstanding FRA waivers that allow highway speeds up to 45 miles per hour (mph) where these highway curbs are present in quiet zones established and maintained in accordance with the regulation.

## Effects PRIA read

- Higher speeds near non-traversable curbs: benefit, low. You can drive up to 45 miles per hour near non-traversable curbs used in quiet zones starting May 28, 2026. The final rule revises the definition of a non-traversable curb to allow use at locations where highway speeds do not exceed 45 mph and specifies those curbs are at least six inches high.
- Fewer waiver requests, lower admin costs: benefit, low. The rule codifies five longstanding waivers about non-traversable curbs, so impacted parties no longer need to submit periodic waiver requests related to this definition. FRA states this will result in cost savings for impacted parties and will not have a significant economic impact on a substantia…
- Engineering controls recommended for safety: benefit, low. FRA adds a recommendation (in appendix A to part 222) that using non-traversable curbs at speeds up to 45 mph should incorporate appropriate engineering controls such as those recommended by organizations like AASHTO. This is guidance (recommended), not a mandatory standard.

## Related documents

- [2026-17904](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-17904): National Environmental Policy Act Regulations, 2026-09-01
- [2026-19031](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19031): Safety Advisory 2025-02; Track Is Clear Determination During Shoving or Pushing Movements Across Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Equipped Only…, 2026-09-17
- [2026-18981](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18981): Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 2026-09-16
- [2026-18982](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18982): Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 2026-09-16
- [2026-18986](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18986): Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program; Ohio Department of Transportation Audit Report, 2026-09-16
- [2026-17996](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-17996): Safety Advisory 2026-01; Restricted Speed, 2026-09-03

## Sources
- [2026-08258 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/28/2026-08258/regulatory-relief-to-allow-speeds-up-to-45-mph-for-non-traversable-curbs)
- [2026-08258 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-28/pdf/2026-08258.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-08257, Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08257)
- [Next: 2026-08259, Miscellaneous Revisions to the Qualification and Certification of Conductors](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08259)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08258 (as of 2026-06-11).