Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

On December 18, 2003, FRA published an interim final rule that required that the locomotive horn be sounded while trains approach and enter public highway-rail grade crossings. The interim final rule contained an exception to the above requirement in circumstances in which there is not a significant risk of loss of life or serious personal injury, use of the locomotive horn is impractical, or safety measures fully compensate for the absence of the warning provided by the locomotive horn. Communities that qualify for this exception may create "quiet zones" within which locomotive horns would not be routinely sounded. The final rule issued today amends certain provisions of the interim final rule to facilitate the development of quiet zones, while balancing the needs of railroads, States and local communities.