FRA Warns Trains: Slow Down or Face Fines After Crashes
Published Date: 9/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is reminding railroads and their workers to stick to 'restricted speed' rules to keep trains safe. This comes after seven recent accidents where trains didn’t slow down enough, especially in areas with Positive Train Control (PTC) systems. Railroads need to double-check their training and testing to make sure everyone can stop trains safely, or else risk more accidents and possible fines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Certification Suspension or Revocation Risk
FRA warns that non-compliance with restricted speed rules can lead to significant certification consequences and may result in revocation or suspension of locomotive engineer or conductor certification under FRA regulations. The Advisory calls restricted speed violations among the most serious operational infractions because of their link to collisions and injuries.
Advisory Aims to Reduce Train Collisions
FRA issued the Advisory after seven recent collisions (listed with dates and speeds) and urges actions to ensure crews can stop within one-half their range of vision — the Advisory defines restricted speed as that stopping requirement and as not exceeding 20 miles per hour unless otherwise restricted. The goal is to reduce derailments, collisions, injuries, and yard accidents by reinforcing lookout, speed adjustment, and crew communication.
Railroads Told to Strengthen Training
The FRA tells railroads to review and strengthen training and rules instruction about 'restricted speed', including scenario-based training on visibility, train length, tonnage, braking, grade and curvature. The Advisory also recommends railroads assess initial and recurrent certification training and consider more operational testing in PTC territory.
Risk of Enforcement and Fines for Railroads
The FRA states it may pursue enforcement or other corrective measures under its rail safety authority if railroads do not take appropriate actions, and the Summary notes noncompliance risks 'possible fines.' The Advisory encourages railroads to follow the recommendations or face potential enforcement consequences.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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