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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17904, National Environmental Policy Act Regulations
FHWA, FRA, and FTA (collectively referred to as the "Agencies") are finalizing the interim final rule (IFR) published on July 3, 2025, which revised the Agencies' National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 implementing regulations in light of the removal of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, the amendments to NEPA included in the section of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FR Act) of 2023, known as the Building United States Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act of 2023, amendments regarding efficient environmental reviews included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, and the Supreme Court decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition. The Agencies provided a 30-day comment period for the public to review and comment on the IFR. This final rule addresses public comments received and finalizes the IFR with minor technical changes.
2026-17784, Amendments to Brake System Maintenance and Inspection Requirements
Starting September 30, 2026, new rules will make brake inspections and maintenance for passenger and freight trains clearer and safer by turning long-standing exceptions into official regulations. This update affects rail companies and helps avoid confusion about brake system checks, supporting better safety without extra costs. It’s all about keeping trains running smoothly and safely with smarter, simpler rules.
2026-17792, Permitting Use of Computer-Based, Three-Dimensional Simulation for Periodic Refresher Training on Brake Systems
This rule permits railroads to use a simulation that is instructor-led, computer-based, and three-dimensional (3D) to satisfy the hands-on portion of periodic refresher training under FRA's brake system training requirements, consistent with waivers FRA has granted to date. This computer-based 3D simulation training can provide employees with randomized scenarios that may not be readily available for hands-on training and facilitate real-time feedback on performance of duties.
2026-17787, Repealing Special Approval Requirement for Freight Cars More Than 50 Years Old
Starting September 30, 2026, railroads no longer need special approval to use freight cars over 50 years old or with certain older parts. Instead, they just have to notify the Federal Railroad Administration and provide some info, making things faster and easier. This change helps railroads save time and cut red tape without extra costs.
2026-17783, Regulatory Relief From Locomotive Horn Sounding Pattern at Public Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
Starting September 30, 2026, train engineers can switch from the old horn pattern to just one single blast when near public highway-rail crossings. This change affects all trains and locomotives stopping close to these crossings, making horn use simpler and less noisy. It’s a smart move to cut red tape without costing extra money or risking safety.
2026-17791, Miscellaneous Amendments to FRA's Accident Reporting Regulations
This rule makes miscellaneous amendments to FRA's accident reporting regulations. Specifically, these amendments promote submitting documents to FRA electronically, eliminate redundant regulations, and allow railroads with additional time to complete certain forms.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-17995, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA, "the Agency") is modifying the system of records for the Disaster Loans Case Files, SBA 20 to add a new routine use that allows information in each system to be disclosed to the Department of the Treasury for purposes of identifying, preventing, or recouping improper payments through Treasury's Do Not Pay Working System. Additional changes are proposed to reflect technical updates to the system. This system of records is used to maintain information on applicants, borrowers, principals, guarantors, and recipients of disaster home and business loans, advances, and grants.
Next: 2026-17997, Millennium Challenge Corporation Candidate Country Report for Fiscal Year 2027
The Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, as amended, requires the Millennium Challenge Corporation to publish a report that identifies countries that are "candidate countries" for Millennium Challenge Account assistance during Fiscal Year 2027. The report is set forth in full below.