Section I. Pre-Rule Quiet Zones: Qualifying for Automatic Approval (Chart 1A) 

1. Identify all the crossings you wish to include as part of the proposed Quiet Zone 

(QZ). 

2. Check whether each crossing qualifies as a pre-rule crossing (horns not sounding 

on October 9, 1996 and December 18, 2003 because of state/local law or 

community agreement with the railroads). If all crossings do not qualify as prerule crossings, then the proposed quiet zone does not qualify as a Pre-Rule QZ, 

and you should refer to Section III, New Quiet Zones. 

3. Determine whether you wish to eliminate any crossings from the proposed QZ. 

The length of a Pre-Rule QZ may continue unchanged from that which existed on 

October 9, 1996. If, however, you choose to eliminate a crossing, the QZ must be 

at least 1⁄2 mile in length along the railroad tracks. 

4. A QZ may include highway-rail grade crossings on a segment of rail line crossing 

more than one political jurisdiction, or there may be roads within a particular area 

that are the responsibility of different entities (State or county roads within a 

town, for example). If the selected crossings are the responsibility of more than 

one entity, obtain the cooperation of all relevant jurisdictions. 

5. Update the USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory Form to reflect conditions at each 

public and private crossing; this update should be complete, accurate, and be 

dated within 6 months prior to the QZ implementation. For instructions on how 

to complete the update, see the FRA website at 

http://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L02730. 

6. If each public crossing in the proposed QZ is equipped with one or more 

Supplementary Safety Measures (SSMs) as defined in Appendix A of the Rule, 

the QZ qualifies for Automatic Approval. To complete the process of creating the 

QZ, notify the parties listed in rule section 222.43 by December 18, 2004. 

Note: Once the QZ has been created, install the required signage by December 

18, 2006. (Refer to rule sections 222.25 and 222.35 for details.) 

Note: Periodic updates, including updated USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory 

Forms, must be submitted to FRA every 4.5-5 years. (Refer to rule section 222.47 

for details.) 

7. If every public crossing is not equipped with at least one SSM, then the QZ can 

automatically qualify by comparing its Quiet Zone Risk Index (QZRI) with the 

Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT). However, these QZs are subject 

to annual review by the FRA. 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. Entities 

subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the Federal Register on 

December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the 

language of the interim final rule shall govern. 
8. Using the FRA’s Quiet Zone Calculator, a web-based tool that can be found at 

http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/quiet/ , determine whether the QZRI of the proposed 

QZ is less than or equal to the NSRT. If the QZRI is less than or equal to the 

NSRT, the QZ qualifies for Automatic Approval. Notify the parties listed in rule 

section 222.43 by December 18, 2004. 

Note: Once the quiet zone has been created, install the required signage by 

December 18, 2006. (Refer to rule sections 222.25 and 222.35 for details.) 

Note: Periodic updates, including updated USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory 

Forms, must be submitted to FRA every 2.5-3 years. (Refer to rule section 

222.47 for details.) 

9. If the QZRI is greater than the NSRT, use the FRA’s Quiet Zone Calculator to

check whether it is less than twice the NSRT. If the QZRI is more than twice the 

NSRT, the QZ cannot qualify for Automatic Approval. For information on how 

to proceed, see Section II, Pre-Rule Quiet Zones Not Qualified for Automatic 

Approval. 

10. If the QZRI is greater than the NSRT, but less than twice the NSRT, determine 

whether any of the public crossings have experienced a “relevant collision” on or 

after December 18, 1998. (See rule section 222.9 for the definition of a “relevant 

collision.”) If there have not been any “relevant collisions” at any public crossing 

since December 18, 1998, the QZ qualifies for Automatic Approval. Notify the 

parties listed in rule section 222.43. 

Note: Once the quiet zone has been created, install the required signage by 

December 18, 2006. (Refer to rule sections 222.25 and 222.35 for details.) 

Note: Periodic updates, including updated USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory 

Forms, must be submitted to FRA every 2.5-3 years. (Refer to rule section 

222.47 for details.) 

11. If the QZRI is greater than the NSRT, but less than twice the NSRT, and there has 

been a “relevant collision” at a public crossing within the proposed QZ, the QZ 

cannot qualify for Automatic Approval. For information on how to proceed, see 

Section II, Pre-Rule Quiet Zones Not Qualified for Automatic Approval. 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. Entities 

subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the Federal Register on 

December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the 

language of the interim final rule shall govern. 
Section II. Pre-Rule Quiet Zones Not Qualified for Automatic Approval (Chart 1B) 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

 

Review Section I, Pre-Rule Quiet Zones: Qualifying for Automatic Approval, to 

confirm that the proposed Pre-Rule Quiet Zone does not qualify for Automatic 

Approval. 

If each crossing qualifies as a pre-rule crossing (horns not sounding on October 9, 

1996 and December 18, 2003 because of state/local law or community agreement 

with the railroads), send notice of continuation of the quiet zone to all parties by 

December 18, 2004. (Refer to rule section 222.43 for details.) 

Note: If you eliminated any pre-rule crossings to create the proposed 

Quiet Zone, the Quiet Zone must be at least 1⁄2 mile in length along the 

railroad tracks. 

Submit to FRA a detailed plan for establishing a quiet zone before December 18, 

2006. This plan should include a timetable for the implementation of safety 

improvements. If you intend to implement ASMs, the plan should include a 

completed application for FRA approval of their use. If a detailed plan is not 

been submitted by December 18, 2006, the quiet zone will terminate. (Refer to 

rule section 222.41 for details.) 

Note: Since the proposed quiet zone does not qualify for Automatic 

Approval, any SSMs and ASMs used must be implemented in accordance 

with rule section 222.39.1

 

Note: For guidance on ASM use, see Section IV, Creating Quiet Zones 

using Engineering Alternative Safety Measures (modified SSMs) and

Section V, Creating Quiet Zones using Non-engineering Alternative Safety 

Measures. 

Note: Required signage must also be installed by December 18, 2006. 

(Refer to rule sections 222.25 and 222.35 for details.) 

Install SSMs and/or traffic control device upgrades as necessary to reduce risk 

within the proposed quiet zone. 

If every public crossing in the proposed Quiet Zone is equipped with one or more 

SSMs as defined in Appendix A of the Rule, you can establish the proposed Quiet 

Zone through public authority designation by completing the following steps: 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. Entities 

subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the Federal Register on 

December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the 

language of the interim final rule shall govern. 

1

 Although the requirements for implementation of SSMs and ASMs must be in accord with rule section 

222.39, the Pre-Rule Quiet Zone requirements covering minimum length and traffic control devices remain 

in effect for these crossings. 
a. Complete the planned improvements by December 18, 2008,2

 

b. Update the USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory Form. 

c. Notify the parties listed in the rule. (Refer to rule section 222.43 for 

details.) 

Note: Periodic updates, including updated USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory 

Forms, must be submitted to FRA every 4.5-5 years. (Refer to rule section 

222.47 for details.) 

6. Using the FRA’s Quiet Zone Calculator, a web-based tool that can be found at 

http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/quiet/, determine whether the implementation of 

SSMs, ASMs, and/or traffic control devices will reduce the QZRI of the proposed 

Pre-Rule Quiet Zone to the level of risk that would exist if the train horns were 

still sounded (RIWH). If the QZRI will be less than or equal to the RIWH, you 

can establish the Quiet Zone through public authority designation by completing 

the following steps: 

a. Complete the planned improvements by December 18, 2008,2

 

b. Update the USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory Form. 

c. Notify the parties listed in the rule. (Refer to rule section 222.43 for 

details.) 

Note: Periodic updates, including updated USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory 

Forms, must be submitted to FRA every 2.5-3 years. (Refer to rule section 

222.47 for details.) 

7. Using the FRA’s Quiet Zone Calculator, a web-based tool that can be found at 

http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/quiet/, determine whether the implementation of 

SSMs, ASMs, and/or traffic control devices will reduce the QZRI of the proposed 

Pre-Rule Quiet Zone to the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT). If 

the QZRI will be less than or equal to the current NSRT, you can establish the 

Quiet Zone through public authority designation by completing the following 

steps: 

a. 

b. 

 

Complete the planned improvements by December 18, 2008.2

Update the USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory Form. 

2

 If the State is involved in the development of Quiet Zones, then the date for completion is extended an 

additional 3 years. 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. Entities 

subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the Federal Register on 

December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the 

language of the interim final rule shall govern. 
c. Notify the parties listed in the rule. (Refer to rule section 222.43 for 

details.) 

Note: Quiet Zones established by comparison to the NSRT are subject to 

annual FRA review. (Refer to rule section 222.51 for details.) 

Note: Periodic updates, including updated USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory 

Forms, must be submitted to FRA every 2.5-3 years. (Refer to rule section 

222.47 for details.) 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. Entities 

subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the Federal Register on 

December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the 

language of the interim final rule shall govern. 
Section III. Creating a New Quiet Zone Using SSMs (Chart 2) 

1. Select the crossings to be included in the New Quiet Zone. 

2. A Quiet Zone may include highway-rail grade crossings on a segment of rail line 

crossing more than one political jurisdiction, or there may be roads within a 

particular area that are the responsibility of different entities (State or county 

roads within a town, for example). If the selected crossings are the responsibility 

of more than one entity, obtain the cooperation of all relevant jurisdictions. 

3. A New Quiet Zone must be at least 1⁄2 mile in length along the railroad tracks. 

4. A New Quiet Zone must have, at a minimum, flashing lights and gates in place at 

each public crossing. These must be equipped with constant warning time 

devices where reasonably practical, and power out indicators. Any necessary 

upgrades must be completed before calculating risk for the quiet zone. 

5. Are there any private crossings within the proposed Quiet Zone? If any private 

crossings allow access to the public or provide access to active industrial or 

commercial sites, you must conduct a diagnostic team review of those crossings. 

Following the diagnostic review, you must comply with the diagnostic team’s 

recommendations concerning those crossings. 

6. Update the USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory Form to reflect conditions at each 

public and private crossing; this update should be complete, accurate, and dated 

within 6 months prior to the Quiet Zone implementation3

. For instructions on 

how to complete the update, see the FRA website at 

http://www.fra.dot.gov/Content3.asp?P=801. 

7. Using the FRA’s Quiet Zone Calculator, a web-based tool that can be found at 

http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/quiet/ , determine whether the Quiet Zone Risk Index 

(QZRI) of the proposed Quiet Zone is less than or equal to the Nationwide 

Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT). If the QZRI is less than or equal to the 

NSRT, you can establish the Quiet Zone through public authority designation by 

completing the following steps: 

a. Install required signage at each crossing. (Refer to rule sections 222.25 

and 222.35 for details.) 

b. Notify the parties listed in the rule. (Refer to rule section 222.43 for 

details.) 

 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. Entities 

subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the Federal Register on 

December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the 

language of the interim final rule shall govern. 

3

 For New Quiet Zones, the baseline conditions for calculating risk require that the minimum required 

traffic control devices are in place. This first Inventory update, therefore, must be completed after the 

gates, lights, and signs are in place, but before the SSMs and other measures are implemented. 
Note: Quiet Zones established by comparison to the NSRT are subject to 

annual FRA review. (Refer to rule section 222.51 for details.) 

Note: Periodic updates, including updated USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory 

Forms, must be submitted to FRA every 2.5-3 years. (Refer to rule section 

222.47 for details.) 

8. The step described above involves qualifying a quiet zone without implementing 

any Supplementary Safety Measures (SSMs) or Alternative Safety Measures 

(ASMs). If FRA’s Quiet Zone Calculator indicates that the proposed quiet zone 

will not qualify on that basis, install any measures that are needed. To qualify for 

Public Authority Designation, you must implement SSMs, build grade 

separations, close crossings, or install wayside horns. 

Note: If you would like to implement any ASMs, their use must be approved 

in advance by FRA, in accordance with Appendix B of the rule. For guidance on 

ASM use, see Section IV, Creating Quiet Zones using Engineering Alternative 

Safety Measures (modified SSMs) or Section V, Creating Quiet Zones using Nonengineering Alternative Safety Measures.

9. If every public crossing in the proposed Quiet Zone is equipped with one or more 

SSMs, you can establish the Quiet Zone through public authority designation by 

completing the following steps: 

a. Install required signage at each crossing. (Refer to rule sections 222.25 

and 222.35 for details.) 

b. Update the National Grade Crossing Inventory to reflect current 

conditions at each public and private crossing within the Quiet Zone. 

c. Notify the parties listed in the rule. (Refer to rule section 222.43 for 

details.) 

Note: Periodic updates, including updated USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory 

Forms, must be submitted to FRA every 4.5-5 years. (Refer to rule section 

222.47 for details.) 

10. If every public crossing is not equipped with an SSM, use FRA’s Quiet Zone 

Calculator to determine whether enough SSMs have been implemented to reduce 

the QZRI to the level of risk that would exist if the train horns were still sounded 

(RIWH). The Quiet Zone Calculator can be found at 

http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/quiet/. If the QZRI is less than or equal to the RIWH, 

you can establish the Quiet Zone through public authority designation by 

completing the following steps: 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. Entities 

subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the Federal Register on 

December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the 

language of the interim final rule shall govern. 
Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. Entities 

subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the Federal Register on 

December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the 

language of the interim final rule shall govern. 

a. Install required signage at each crossing. (Refer to rule sections 222.25 and 

222.35 for details.) 

b. Update the National Grade Crossing Inventory to reflect current conditions at 

each public and private crossing within the Quiet Zone. 

c. Notify the parties listed in the rule. (Refer to rule section 222.43 for details.) 

Note: Periodic updates, including updated USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory 

Forms, must be submitted to FRA every 2.5-3 years. (Refer to rule section 

222.47 for details.) 

11. Use FRA’s Quiet Zone Calculator to determine whether enough SSMs have been 

implemented to reduce the QZRI to the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold 

(NSRT). The Quiet Zone Calculator can be found at 

http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/quiet/. If the QZRI is less than or equal to the current 

NSRT, you can establish the Quiet Zone through public authority designation by 

completing the following steps: 

a. Install required signage at each crossing. (Refer to rule sections 222.25 

and 222.35 for details.) 

b. Update the National Grade Crossing Inventory to reflect current 

conditions at each public and private crossing within the Quiet Zone. 

c. Notify the parties listed in the rule. (Refer to rule section 222.43 for 

details.) 

Note: Quiet Zones established by comparison to the NSRT are subject to 

annual FRA review. (Refer to rule section 222.51 for details.) 

Note: Periodic updates, including updated USDOT Grade Crossing Inventory 

Forms, must be submitted to FRA every 2.5-3 years. (Refer to rule section 

222.47 for details.) 
Are all xings

Pre-Rule?

Chart 1A - Pre-Rule Quiet Zones:

Qualifying for Automatic Approval

Identify Crossings

Not qualified as

Pre-Rule

yes

no yes

SSM at every

public xing?

QZRI < NSRT

no

NSRT < QZRI

< 2*NSRT

Any relevant

collisions?

no

yes

no

Not qualified for

Automatic Approval

no

yes

Send FRA an affirmation

and updated Inventory form

every 4.5-5 years

yes

Send FRA an affirmation

and updated Inventory form

every 2.5-3 years

yes

no

no

Obtain cooperation

of all affected

jurisdictions Go to

Chart 2

Update National

Inventory to reflect

existing conditions

within 6 months prior

to implementation

yes

Notify Parties by

December 18, 2004

Qualified!

Notify Parties by

December 18, 2004

Qualified!

Go to

Chart 1B

Any xings to

remove?

QZ >= 1/2 mile

long?

Install signage by

December 18, 2006

Install signage by

December 18, 2006

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. Entities subject to the interim final rule

should refer to the rule text as published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary

conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final rule shall govern.

A Pre-Rule crossing is one

 at which train horns were

silenced as of October 9, 1996,

 and on December 18, 2003.

Notify Parties by

December 18, 2004

Install signage by

December 18, 2006

Send FRA an affirmation

and updated Inventory form

every 2.5-3 years

QZs established on this

basis subject to annual

review

Qualified!
Chart 1B - Pre-Rule Quiet Zones:

Not Qualified for Automatic Approval

from

Chart 1A

 SSMs at every

public xing?

Send affirmation and updated

inventory form to FRA every

4.5-5 yrs

QZRI < NSRT?

QZRI < RIWH?

no

no

no

yes

yes

yes

Go to

chart 3A

Update National

Inventory

Notify Parties prior to

December 18, 2004

Complete

improvements

by 12/18/2008

Install SSMs and/or

upgrade traffic

control devices

File detailed plan

with FRA, and

install signage by

12/18/2006

Qualified!

yes

ASM use

requires FRA

approval

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only.

Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in

the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary

conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final rule shall govern.

Notify Parties

no

Complete

improvement

by 12/18/2008

Update National

Inventory

Send affirmation and updated

inventory form to FRA every

2.5-3 yrs

Notify Parties

QZs established on this

basis subject to annual

review

 If the State is involved in developing quiet zones,

 the deadline is extended until 12/18/2011.

 If the State is involved in developing quiet zones,

 the deadline is extended until 12/18/2011.

Qualified!
Chart 2 - Creating a New Quiet Zone using SSMs

Select crossings

for inclusion in QZ

yes

Pvt

xings with public,

industrial, or

commercial access

included?

no

SSMs at every

public xing?

Send affirmation and updated

inventory form to FRA every

4.5-5 yrs

QZRI < NSRT?

 QZRI < NSRT?

QZRI < RIWH?

no

no

no

yes

yes

yes

yes

Obtain

cooperation from

all affected

jurisdictions

Conduct

diagnostic team

review of pvt

xings

Comply with

diagnostic team's

recommendations

Update National

Inventory to reflect

existing conditions

within 6 months

prior to notification

Update National

Inventory

Send affirmation and updated

inventory form to FRA every

2.5-3 yrs

Update National

Inventory

Qualified!

Qualified!

Qualified!

QZ must be at

least 1/2 mile

long

Install gates and

lights at all public

crossings

Install SSMs

yes

no

ASM use

requires FRA

approval

Go to

Chart 3A

no

Notify Parties, silence

horns, and install signage

at all crossings

Send affirmation and updated

inventory form to FRA every

2.5-3 yrs Qualified!

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only.

Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the

Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict

with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final rule shall govern.

QZs established on this

basis subject to annual

review

QZs established on this

basis subject to annual

review

Notify Parties, silence

horns, and install signage

at all crossings

Notify Parties, silence

horns, and install signage

at all crossings
Chart 3A - Creating a Quiet Zone using Engineering ASMs

(Modified SSMs)

from

Charts 1B,

2

Only SSMs or

Modified SSMs

used?

Determine

effectiveness of

proposed

modified SSMs

Apply to FRA,

include

analysis and

data

Proposed

QZRI < NSRT?

Proposed

QZRI < RIWH?

FRA approved?

Send affirmation and updated

inventory form to FRA every 2.5-3 yrs

Install SSMs,

modified SSMs

Update National

Inventory

go to

chart 3B

Qualified

yes

no

yes

no

no

yes

yes

no

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text

as published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the

interim final rule shall govern.

Strongly advised

 to consult FRA

QZs established on this

basis subject to annual

review

Not qualified

Notify Parties, silence

horns, and install signage

at all crossings
Conduct field study

to obtain baseline

violation rate

Implement

ASM

Conduct field study

to monitor change

in violation rate

(initial Violation

Rate)

Determine

ASM's

effectiveness

QZRI < RIWH

QZRI < NSRT

Apply to FRA,

include

analysis and

data

FRA approved?

From

Chart 3A

yes

no

Not qualified

Chart 3B: Creating a Quiet Zone using Non-engineering ASMs

Complete installation of

SSM's, engineering ASMs

Update National

Inventory

Send affirmation and updated

inventory form to FRA every 2.5-3 yrs

yes

Qualified! no

yes

no

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text

as published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the

interim final rule shall govern.

Make

improvements;

install SSMs,

modified SSMs

Not qualified

Strongly advised

 to consult with FRA

QZs established on this

basis subject to annual

review

Develop plan for

implementation

and monitoring of

ASM program

Notify Parties, silence

horns, and install signage

at all crossings
List of Crossings within Quiet Zone 

Submit to all Parties 

Quiet Zone Name:___________________________________________________ 

The following crossings are included in the above named Quiet Zone: 

USDOT Crossing ID 

Number 

Street or Highway Name 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes 

only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as 

published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of 

this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final 

rule shall govern. 
Basis for Continuation of a Pre-Rule Quiet Zone: 

Submit to all Parties 

Quiet Zone Name:__________________________________________________ 

This quiet zone is being continued in compliance with the following (check all that 

apply): 

 §222.41(a) Pre-Rule Quiet Zones that qualify for automatic 

approval because 

 every crossing is equipped with an SSM, 

 QZRI < NSRT, or 

 NSRT < QZRI < 2* NSRT, and there have been no relevant 

 collisions within the 5 years preceding December 18, 2003 

 §222.41(b) Pre-Rule Quiet Zones that do not qualify for automatic 

approval 

Note: Quiet Zones established in accordance with §222.41(b) can be maintained 

under that provision for an interim period only. Continuation of the quiet zone 

beyond the interim period will require implementation of SSMs or ASMs in 

accordance with the section of the rule governing establishment of a New Quiet 

Zone (§222.49).

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes 

only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as 

published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of 

this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final 

rule shall govern. 
FRA Quiet Zone Calculator Pages 

Submit to all Parties 

If the Quiet Zone is being continued under §222.41(a), Pre-Rule Quiet Zones 

which qualify for automatic approval, the notification to the parties must also 

include a copy of the FRA web page containing the quiet zone data upon which the 

public authority relies. 

The Quiet Zone Calculator can be found at: http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/quiet/ 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes 

only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as 

published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of 

this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final 

rule shall govern. 
Certificate of Service (submit one for each party notified) 

Submit to all Parties including FRA 

Quiet Zone Name:___________________________________________________ 

Notice of the establishment or continuation of this Quiet Zone was provided to the 

following: 

Name: 

Title: 

Organization: 

Address: 

Notification Method: 

Notification Date: 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes 

only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as 

published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of 

this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final 

rule shall govern. 
Grade Crossing Inventory Form (Initial) 

Submit to FRA Associate Administrator, Office of Safety 

Submit an accurate and complete Grade Crossing Inventory Form for each public 

and private crossing within the quiet zone, dated within six months prior to 

notification of the quiet zone. This form should reflect conditions prior to 

implementation of SSMs and ASMs. 

Copies of the Grade Crossing Inventory Form FRA 6180.71can be downloaded 

from the FRA web site at 

http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/officeofsafety/Forms/Default.asp. 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes 

only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as 

published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of 

this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final 

rule shall govern. 
Grade Crossing Inventory Form Reflecting Improvements 

Submit to FRA Associate Administrator, Office of Safety 

Submit an additional accurate and complete Grade Crossing Inventory Form for 

each public and private crossing within the quiet zone, reflecting the improvements 

implemented within the Quiet Zone. 

Copies of the Grade Crossing Inventory Form FRA 6180.71can be downloaded 

from the FRA web site at 

http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/officeofsafety/Forms/Default.asp. 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes 

only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as 

published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of 

this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final 

rule shall govern. 
Point of Contact Information 

Submit to FRA Associate Administrator, Office of Safety 

Quiet Zone Name:___________________________________________________ 

Date:______________________________________________________________ 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes 

The following individual is responsible for monitoring compliance with §222: 

Name: 

Title:_________________________________________________________ 

Organization:__________________________________________________ 

Address: 

Phone: 

Fax: 

Email:________________________________________________________ 

only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as 

published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of 

this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final 

rule shall govern. 
Chief Executive Officer Statement 

Submit to FRA Associate Administrator, Office of Safety 

Quiet Zone 

Designation:__________________________________________________ 

I hereby certify that responsible officers of the public authority of which I am the 

Chief Executive Officer have reviewed documentation prepared by or for the FRA, 

filed in Docket No. FRA-1999-6439, sufficient to make an informed decision 

regarding the advisability of establishing the quiet zone. 

Signature Date 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes 

only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as 

published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of 

this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final 

rule shall govern. 
Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes 

only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as 

published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of 

this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final 

rule shall govern. 

Pre-Rule Quiet Zone Notification Checklist 

Be sure to include the following information when providing notification of the 

continuation of a pre-rule quiet zone. Notifications must be sent by certified mail, 

return receipt requested. 

All parties, including FRA, must receive: 

 List of Crossings within Quiet Zone

 Basis for Continuation of a Pre-Rule Quiet Zone 

 FRA Quiet Zone Calculator Page if quiet zone qualifies for automatic 

approval under §222.41(a) 

 Certificate of Service (submit one for each party notified) 

FRA must also receive the following: 

 Grade Crossing Inventory Form (Initial) 

 Grade Crossing Inventory Form Reflecting Improvements (when 

applicable) 

 Point of Contact Information 

 Chief Executive Officer Statement 

Notification should be mailed to FRA at the following address: 

Associate Administrator for Safety 

Federal Railroad Administration 

1120 Vermont Avenue, NW 

Washington, DC 20590 
Pre-Rule Quiet Zone Notification Checklist 

Be sure to include the following information when providing notification of the 

continuation of a pre-rule quiet zone. Notifications must be sent by certified mail, 

return receipt requested. 

All parties, including FRA, must receive: 

 List of Crossings within Quiet Zone

 Basis for Continuation of a Pre-Rule Quiet Zone 

 FRA Quiet Zone Calculator Page if quiet zone qualifies for automatic 

approval under §222.41(a) 

 Certificate of Service (submit one for each party notified) 

FRA must also receive the following: 

 Grade Crossing Inventory Form (Initial) 

 Grade Crossing Inventory Form Reflecting Improvements (when 

applicable) 

 Point of Contact Information 

 Chief Executive Officer Statement 

Notification should be mailed to FRA at the following address: 

Associate Administrator for Safety 

Federal Railroad Administration 

1120 Vermont Avenue, NW 

Washington, DC 20590 

Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes 

only. Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as 

published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of 

this summary conflict with the interim final rule, the language of the interim final 

rule shall govern. 
Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. 

Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the 

Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with 

the interim final rule, the language of the interim final rule shall govern. 

 

New Quiet Zone Notification1

Parties to be notified 

Once a public authority has successfully established a quiet zone either through 

public authority designation or through FRA approval, it must provide written 

notice to several parties. These parties include the following: 

 All railroads operating over the public highway-rail grade crossings 

within the quiet zone, 

 The highway or traffic control authority, or the law enforcement 

authority with jurisdiction over motor vehicle traffic at the quiet zone 

crossings, 

 Landowners with control over any private crossings within the quiet 

zone, 

 The State agency responsible for highway and road safety, and 

 The FRA Associate Administrator. 

All notices must be provided by certified mail, return receipt requested. 

Deadlines 

The notice sent to the above parties must designate a specific date on which the 

routine sounding of horns at crossings within the quiet zone shall cease. On no 

account shall this date be earlier than 21 days after the mailing of this written 

notification. 

1

 This collection of information will be used by FRA to increase safety at highwayrail grade crossings. Public reporting burden is estimated to average five (5) hours 

per response for notifications, and thirty-five (35) hours per response for the 

certification, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data 

sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing 

the collection of information. Please note that an agency may not conduct or 

sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information 

unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control 

number for this collection of information is 2130-0560. 
Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. 

Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the 

Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with 

the interim final rule, the language of the interim final rule shall govern. 

Notification contents 

 The notice must unambiguously state which crossings will be contained 

within the quiet zone. Each public and private crossing must be 

identified by both the U.S. DOT National Highway-Rail Grade 

Crossing Inventory number and the street or highway name. 

 The notification must also clearly cite the regulatory provision that 

provides the basis for establishing the quiet zone. For a new quiet 

zone, one of the following provisions should apply: 

• §222.39(a)(1), implementation of SSMs at every public crossing in 

the quiet zone; 

• §222.39(a)(2)(i), the QZRI is at or below the NSRT without 

installation of any SSMs; 

• §222.39(a)(2)(ii), SSMs were implemented at some crossings to 

bring the QZRI to a level at or below the NSRT; 

• §222.39(a)(3), SSMs were implemented at some crossings to bring 

the QZRI to a level at or below the RIWH; or 

• §222.39(b), public authority application to the FRA. 

 If the quiet zone is established on the basis of §222.39(a)(1), (2), or (3), 

the notification must include a copy of the FRA web page containing 

the quiet zone data upon which the public authority is relying. 

 If the quiet zone is being established on the basis of § 222.39(b) (public 

authority application to the FRA), the notification must include a copy 

of the FRA’s notification of approval. 

 All notifications must contain a certificate of service. This certificate 

of service shall show to whom the notice was provided, and by what 

means the notice was provided. 

Additional information that must be submitted to FRA 

The items listed above must be submitted to each of the parties listed in the section 

labeled “Parties to be notified”. Public authorities are also required to submit the 

following information in their submission to FRA: 
Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. 

Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the 

Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with 

the interim final rule, the language of the interim final rule shall govern. 

 An accurate and complete Grade Crossing Inventory Form for each 

public and private crossing within the quiet zone, dated within six 

months prior to designation or FRA approval of the quiet zone; 

 An accurate, complete, and current Grade Crossing Inventory Form 

reflecting the SSMs and ASMs implemented within the quiet zone. 

(SSMs and ASMs that cannot be fully described on the Inventory Form 

must be described separately); 

 The name and title of the person responsible for monitoring compliance 

with the requirements of the rule and his/her contact information. In 

addition to the person’s name, title, and organization, contact 

information should include his/her business address, telephone number, 

fax number, and email address; 

 A list of all parties notified in accordance with the rule; and 

 A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of each 

public authority establishing the quiet zone. In the CEO’s statement, he 

or she must certify that responsible officials of the public authority 

have reviewed the documentation prepared by or for the FRA, and filed 

in Docket No. FRA-1999-6439, sufficient to make an informed 

decision regarding the advisability of establishing the quiet zone. 
Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. 

Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the 

Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with 

the interim final rule, the language of the interim final rule shall govern. 

 

Pre-Rule Quiet Zone Notification1

Parties to be notified 

A public authority that wants to continue silencing the locomotive horn at grade 

crossings within a Pre-Rule Quiet Zone must provide written notice to several 

parties. These parties include the following: 

 All railroads operating over the public highway-rail grade crossing 

within the quiet zone, 

 The highway or traffic control authority, or the law enforcement 

authority with jurisdiction over motor vehicle traffic at the quiet zone 

crossings, 

 Landowners with control over any private crossings within the quiet 

zone, 

 The State agency responsible for highway and road safety, and 

 The FRA Associate Administrator. 

All notices must be provided by certified mail, return receipt requested. 

Deadlines 

Notice of the continuation of a Pre-Rule Quiet Zone must be served no later than 

December 18, 2004. 

1

 This collection of information will be used by FRA to increase safety at highwayrail grade crossings. Public reporting burden is estimated to average five (5) hours 

per response for notifications, and thirty-five (35) hours per response for the 

certification, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data 

sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing 

the collection of information. Please note that an agency may not conduct or 

sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information 

unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control 

number for this collection of information is 2130-0560. 
Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. 

Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the 

Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with 

the interim final rule, the language of the interim final rule shall govern. 

Notification contents 

 The notice must unambiguously state which crossings are contained 

within the quiet zone. All public and private crossings must be 

identified by both the U.S. DOT National Highway-Rail Grade 

Crossing Inventory Number, and by street or highway name. 

 The notification must clearly cite the regulatory provision that provides 

the basis for continuing the Quiet Zone. 

Note: The continuation of Pre-Rule Quiet Zones that qualify for 

automatic approval is governed by § 222.41(a). All other Pre-Rule 

Quiet Zones are governed by § 222.41(b). 

 The notification must also include an explanation as to how the quiet 

zone is in compliance with § 222.41. 

 If the quiet zone is being continued on the basis of §222.41(a) 

(automatic approval), the notification must include a copy of the FRA 

web page containing the quiet zone data upon which the public 

authority is relying. 

 All notifications must contain a certificate of service. This certificate 

of service shall show to whom the notice was provided, and by what 

means the notice was provided. 

Additional information that must be submitted to FRA 

The items listed above must be submitted to each of the parties listed in the section 

labeled “Parties to be notified”. Public authorities are also required to submit the 

following information in their submission to FRA: 

 An accurate and complete Grade Crossing Inventory Form for each 

public and private crossing within the quiet zone, dated within six 

months prior to designation of the quiet zone; 

 An accurate, complete, and current Grade Crossing Inventory Form 

reflecting the SSMs and ASMs implemented within the quiet zone; 

 The name and title of the person responsible for monitoring compliance 

with the requirements of the rule and his/her contact information. In 

addition to the person’s name, title, and organization, contact 
Disclaimer: This summary of the interim final rule is for informational purposes only. 

Entities subject to the interim final rule should refer to the rule text as published in the 

Federal Register on December 18, 2003. Should any portion of this summary conflict with 

the interim final rule, the language of the interim final rule shall govern. 

information should include his/her business address, telephone number, 

fax number, and email address; 

 A list of all parties notified in accordance with the rule; and 

 A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of each 

public authority continuing the quiet zone. In the CEO’s statement, he 

or she must certify that responsible officials of the public authority 

have reviewed the documentation prepared by or for the FRA, and filed 

in Docket No. FREA-1999-6439, sufficient to make an informed 

decision regarding the advisability of establishing the quiet zone. 

Note: Pre-Rule Quiet Zones that do not qualify for automatic approval can only be 

maintained for an interim period. Continuation of the quiet zone beyond the 

interim period will require submission of a detailed plan, as well as 

implementation of SSMs or ASMs in accordance with section 222.39. Please refer 

to sections 222.39 and 222.41 for more information.