Amendments to Brake System Maintenance and Inspection Retirements
Topic: Safety; Fire Prevention; Railroad Safety; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements
Agency: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Action: Final Rule
Title: Amendments to Brake System Maintenance and Inspection Retirements
Published Date: August 31, 2026
Dates: This rule is effective September 30, 2026
Summary: This rule amends mechanical equipment safety standards related to brake inspections for passenger and freight rail equipment and incorporates longstanding waivers for locomotive brake system maintenance and inspection requirements. The amendments are consistent with the mandates of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which require FRA to review and analyze certain longstanding waivers to determine whether incorporating the waivers into FRA’s regulations is justified, and Executive Order 14219, Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Deregulatory Initiative.
Staff Advisor: Taria Barron, General Counsel, tbarron@apta.com