A Guide for the Use of Train Horns

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the United States has implemented a rule regarding train horns which will apply on highway grade crossings and has taken effect on June 24, 2005. This rule states that trains have to sound their train horns for 15 to 20 seconds before upon approaching the entrance of any public grade crossing. The train must be running at a speed of 45 minutes per hour however, if the train exceeds this speed, they still need to use their train horns at locations with whistle posts. This rule was published was on April 27, 2005.

The sound pattern of train horns should be done repeatedly as needed until the crossing has been fully taken by the lead locomotive. This pattern consists of two long ones, then one short, then another long one. Engineers of these locomotive trains are allowed to make variations to this pattern. They are also allowed to use their train horns to whatever emergency that might occur anytime, anywhere.

Train horns in Florida were banned from being sounded to maintain the quiet zones in certain areas for safety purposes however as a result; there has been an increase in accidents in public crossings so the FRA decided to lift the ban with the use of these train horns.

Listed below are the signals for train horns as required by the rules followed by North American railroads. The signals will be illustrated by an “o” and “—“ which will stand for short and long sounds respectively.

Rule Sequence Indication
14 (a) o Air brakes must be applied when standing.
14 (b) * – – As the air brakes are released, proceed.
14 (f) * o o – The flagman’s stop signal is acknowledged.
14 (g) * o o Any signal is acknowledged not otherwise provided for.
14 (h) * o o o The train is backing up.
14 (j) o o o o Requesting for signals
14 (l) * – – o – 1. When trains and engines are approaching the grade crossings on public highway has to have their train horns sounded for 15 seconds to 20 seconds before the crossing has been reached by the lead engine. This has to be done as the engine runs faster than 45 mph has to start to use the train horn at about 1,320 feet and has to sound the horn in advance in less than 15 seconds. This warning signal has to be done repeatedly in longer duration until the train has fully occupied the last crossing.

2. When trains or engines approach yards, tunnels, or some areas in the crossing where workers may be at work.
3. When trains or engines pass in trains that are standing.
14 (m) * o As the train approaches passenger’s station.
14 (o) o – Inspection of trains for any leaks in brake pipe system or for cases of sticking brakes.
14 (p) * The succeeding sounding will warn people and animals.
14 (q) * – o When trains run against the traffic current:
1. Running to curves, stations, or other points where view may be hidden: and
2. When passing freight trains


Note that the ones with asterisks mean the train horns must be heard in the events or in places when and where they are needed. The ones without asterisks indicate that the train horns must be heard when voice communication is unavailable. The employees need to know this for their reference.