FRAFinal Rule

Administrative Updates: Steam Locomotive Inspection and Maintenance Standards Regulations

TransportationLabor & Workplace

Summary

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has updated the safety rules for inspecting and maintaining steam locomotives, which are historic trains still used for tourist rides and heritage railways. These updated standards ensure that older steam engines are regularly checked and properly maintained so they operate safely for passengers and workers.

Key Points

  • 1The regulation sets new inspection schedules and procedures for steam locomotives to catch safety problems before they become dangerous
  • 2Railroad companies operating steam locomotives must follow updated maintenance standards and keep detailed records of all inspections and repairs
  • 3Heritage railroads and tourist train operators will need to update their equipment and training to comply with the new requirements
  • 4The changes aim to prevent accidents and injuries by ensuring steam engines are in good working condition before they carry passengers
  • 5Railroad operators have a defined timeline to implement these changes, with specific deadlines for compliance

Key Dates

Published

July 1, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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