USA Banner
  U.S. flag
              An official website of the United States government Here's how you knowOfficial US Government Icon
              **Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
            Secure Site Icon
              **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                  A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
 U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation
 Search DOT
            Search
                        About FRAAbout FRA
  

        
              Overview
                Organization
                Program Offices
                Resource Center
                Web Policies and Notices
                Contact Us
                Communications
                Governmental AffairsFeatured
  

        
              Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Information from FRA
                Careers
                Leadership Profiles
                Organizational Chart
                Newsroom
                Press Releases
                Speeches
                Fact Sheets
                TestimonyRailroad SafetyFeatured
  

        
              Train Horn Rule/Quiet Zones
                Public Blocked Crossings Incident Reporter
                Drug & Alcohol
                Safety Data
                C3RS
                High-Hazard Flammable Train Route AssessmentRailroad Safety
  

        
              Overview
                Railroad Crossing Safety & Trespass Prevention
                Accident Data & Reporting, Investigations
                Divisions
                Partnerships & ProgramsRail Network DevelopmentFeatured
  

        
              High-Speed Rail
                Amtrak
                Environmental Reviews
                GIS Maps
                RuralRail Network Development
  

        
              Overview
                Passenger Rail
                Freight Rail
                Environment
                Planning
                International
                Maps & Data
                Training & GuidanceResearch & DevelopmentFeatured
  

        
              R&D Current Projects
                Positive Train Control
                Hazardous Materials
                Highway-Rail Grade Crossing
                Close Call Reporting
                Broad Agency AnnouncementResearch & Development
  

        
              Overview
                Program Areas
                R&D ReportsLegislation & RegulationsFeatured
  

        
              FAST Act
                National Rail Plan
                Proposed State Rail Plan
                Civil PenaltiesLegislation & Regulations
  

        
              Overview
                Legislation
                Regulations & Rulemaking
                Buy AmericaGrants & LoansFeatured
  

        
              FRA Discretionary Grant Program Tool
                Discretionary Grant Calendar
                Railroad Capital Project Guidance
                FRA Webinars
                DOT GrantsGrants & Loans
  

        
              Overview
                Grant Programs
                Applying for Grants
                Resources for Grant Recipients
                Training & GuidanceFRA eLibraryeLibrary
  

        
              Accidents & Fatalities
                Compliance
                Conferences & Presentations
                Emergency & Safety
                Enforcement & Litigation
                Publications & Policy
                Reports
                OtherMenu Home
                        About FRA
                        Communications
                        Press Releases


            
            In This Section
        Newsroom
                Communications
                                Press Releases
                Speeches
                Testimonies
                Fact Sheets
                Governmental Affairs
                
                FRA Publishes Final Rule Requiring the Installation of Locomotive Image Recording Devices on Passenger Trains
    

    
          Thursday, October 12, 2023
    
          WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced a final rule requiring the installation of inward- and outward-facing image recording devices on all passenger train lead locomotives providing scheduled intercity rail passenger or commuter service. The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) required this regulation, and the regulation also responds to a National Transportation Safety Board recommendation with the aim to enhance safety across the passenger rail industry.
 
The final rule mandates that locomotive video recording devices must remain operational while the controlling locomotive of a passenger train is in motion. To ensure the integrity and accessibility of this footage, the rule stipulates that data captured must retain at least the last 12 hours of recorded footage and be stored in a crashworthy memory module. Since locomotive-mounted recording devices on passenger trains are categorized as "safety devices" tampering with or disabling of these vital recording systems is prohibited.
 
“While video recorders cannot directly prevent accidents, they help maintain a higher standard of safety,” **said FRA Administrator Amit Bose**. “In addition, these devices play a vital role in post-accident investigations, providing valuable evidence that helps us understand the circumstances leading to the accident and take appropriate action to prevent similar accidents in the future.”
 
The final rule also establishes guidelines for the utilization of passenger locomotive recordings for operational tests, allowing the evaluation of operating employees' compliance with applicable railroad operating rules and Federal regulations. By leveraging the video recordings, passenger railroads can effectively identify areas of improvement and enhance overall safety.  The implementation of these locomotive image and audio recording devices is a significant step forward in bolstering passenger rail safety and maintaining regulatory compliance.   
 
While FRA is not requiring the installation and use of inward- and outward-facing recording devices in freight locomotives, it should be noted that they have been voluntarily installed by freight railroads on a widespread basis.  
 
Further information on the final rule for Railroad Carriers to install Locomotive Image and Audio Recording Devices for Passenger Trains is published in the *Federal Register* here. 
 
### U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Railroad Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4000Subscribe to email updates
                    About Us
  

        
              About FRA
                Careers
                Contact Us
                FRA Civil Rights
                Doing Business with FRA
                Grants and Financial Assistance
                Safety Management TeamsAreas of Interest
  

        
              Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
                Safety Data
                Buy America
                Operation Lifesaver
                Railroad Safety Advisory Committee
                FRA Secure Area
                Proactive DisclosureI Am A...
  

        
              Railroad Traveler
                Railroad Inspector
                Reporter
                Educator/StudentPolicies, Rights, Legal
  

        
              About DOT
                Budget and Performance
                Civil Rights
                FOIA
                Information Quality
                No FEAR Act
                Office of Inspector General
                Privacy Policy
                USA.gov
                Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
                Web Policies and Notices
                Web Standards