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Federal Railroad Administration Finalizes Rail Rules Aimed at Efficiency and Safety
See what deregulatory rail rules were finalized to reduce outdated requirements, support innovation, and streamline rail operations without compromising safety.
May 13, 2026
According to the FRA, the rules stem from a deregulatory package first published on July 1, 2025, that sought to eliminate redundant, decades-old requirements while codifying longstanding FRA Safety Board waivers.
Credit:
Tom Fisk/METRO
1 min to read
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) finalized 11 deregulatory rules aimed at modernizing rail operations, reducing outdated requirements, and supporting rail safety and innovation, according to an announcement from the U.S. Transportation Department.
The action removes more than 1,000 words from the Federal Register and marks the latest effort by the Trump Administration to reduce federal regulations affecting the rail industry.
“These critical updates will enhance safety, support our great rail workforce, and enable the next wave of innovative technologies on our tracks,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
According to the FRA, the rules stem from a deregulatory package first published on July 1, 2025, that sought to eliminate redundant, decades-old requirements while codifying longstanding FRA Safety Board waivers.
The finalized actions include removing stenciling requirements for certain tourist and historic railroad freight cars, allowing electronic posting of injury and occupational illness records, and updating enforcement procedures to permit electronic service and clarify FRA enforcement discretion.
The package also codifies longstanding waivers related to locomotive engineer and conductor certification requirements for railroads participating in the FRA-sponsored Confidential Close Call Reporting System program.
In addition, FRA revised the definition of a non-traversable curb in its train horn regulation, allowing highway speeds up to 45 mph when a curb is installed.
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