RailwayA vehicle stuck on a grade crossing: what happens
When a vehicle blocks a grade crossing, anyone can call the railroad, and the railroad must warn the trains before they arrive. This guide follows the Federal Railroad Administration's rules in 49 CFR Parts 222, 234 and 240.
Free to startThe blue sign
Each crossing has a blue Emergency Notification System sign with a toll-free number and the crossing's U.S. DOT number. On a report of a vehicle blocking the track, the railroad must promptly contact every train authorized through that crossing before it arrives, then call the police.
The horn
At a public crossing the lead locomotive sounds two long blasts, one short and one long, starting 15 to 20 seconds before entering the crossing, and repeats the pattern until it occupies the crossing. Above 60 mph, the horn does not start more than a quarter mile before.
The engineer's certification
Locomotive engineers are certified by their railroad under an FRA-approved program: a written, closed-book knowledge test and a skills test with a Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers. Passing a stop signal or speeding by 10 mph or more can cost the certificate. Practice every step free with Blocky.
Official sources
Engineer certification
Part 240 sets what a railroad checks before certifying an engineer, how the knowledge and skills tests work and what conduct revokes a certificate.
The horn at the crossing
Part 222 sets the horn pattern and when it must start before a public crossing.
A blocked crossing, reported
Part 234, Subpart E sets the emergency number on the blue sign and what the railroad must do when someone reports a vehicle on the tracks.
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