What does Preamble of Remote Control Locomotives Safety Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To prohibit certain operations of remote control locomotives, and for other purposes,' aims to restrict specific operations involving remote-controlled locomotives.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Remote Control Locomotives Safety Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Remote Control Locomotives Safety Improvement Act of 2026.

What does LIMITATIONS ON REMOTE CONTROL LOCOMOTIVES. of Remote Control Locomotives Safety Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section restricts the operation of trains by railroad carriers. A human locomotive engineer must be physically located inside the cab of the lead locomotive when operating a train outside a yard. Remote control locomotives are prohibited on main lines. To operate a train on a main line, the train must have a lead locomotive cab operated by a certified locomotive engineer physically located inside the cab. The Secretary is prohibited from waiving these requirements for class I or II railroads, or trains operating on class 1 or above track. This section is not subject to the rulemaking requirements of section 553 of title 5, United States Code. This section takes effect on the date of enactment of this Act.

What does AUDITS AND INSPECTIONS. of Remote Control Locomotives Safety Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section mandates audits and inspections of rail carriers. The Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration must conduct an audit and inspection of each Class I railroad within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The Administrator must take actions to ensure Class I railroads comply with the Act's requirements. Within one year of enactment, the Administrator must conduct unscheduled audits and inspections of rail carriers that are not Class I railroads, as necessary. These audits and inspections aim to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Act.

What does REGULATORY AUTHORITY. of Remote Control Locomotives Safety Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section grants the Secretary of Transportation regulatory authority to implement the Act. The Secretary may issue regulations deemed necessary to carry out the Act's provisions. Regulations may include updates or conforming changes to part 229.15 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.

What does FINES FOR VIOLATIONS. of Remote Control Locomotives Safety Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes fines for violations of the Act or regulations/orders issued by the Secretary. A separate violation occurs for each day a violation continues. The penalty amount is the greater of 1 percent of the person's annual income or annual operating income, or $1,000,000. The process for imposing penalties will follow specific requirements outlined in section 21301 of title 49, United States Code.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Remote Control Locomotives Safety Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. The terms 'class I railroad', 'class II railroad', 'class III railroad', and 'railroad carrier' are defined by reference to section 20102 of title 49, United States Code. A 'lead locomotive' is defined as the first locomotive proceeding in the direction of movement. The 'locomotive cab' is the compartment where the control stand is located and normally occupied by the engineer. A 'main line' is a segment of railroad tracks transporting 5,000,000 or more gross tons of railroad traffic annually. A 'remote control locomotive' is one operated by a person not physically within the locomotive cab via a radio link, excluding locomotives remotely controlled from the lead locomotive in a distributed power arrangement. A 'remote control operator' is a locomotive engineer certified to operate remote control locomotives. A 'train' is defined as one or more locomotives coupled with or without cars, excluding switching service. A 'yard' is a system of tracks used for classifying cars, making-up and inspecting trains, or storing cars and equipment, excluding main tracks and sidings.

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Remote Control Locomotives Safety Improvement Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/23/2026 · Introduced: 6/23/2026

Author: Timothy Kennedy (D-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill requires a certified locomotive engineer to be physically present in the cab of the lead locomotive when operating trains on main lines, prohibiting the use of remote control locomotives on these lines.
The Federal Railroad Administration must conduct audits and inspections of rail carriers, particularly Class I railroads, to ensure compliance with the Act's requirements.
Violations of the Act or related regulations can result in fines of up to $1,000,000 or 1% of a person's annual income, whichever is greater.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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