Are Train Horns Illegal in Washington State?

In the state of Washington, as in all U.S. states, train horns are not illegal. Instead, they are federally mandated as a critical safety measure. This article delves into the details of train horn regulations and the requirements of federally regulated railroads.

The Federal Preemption of State Jurisdiction

Railroads are regulated at the federal level, and are not subject to state laws or jurisdiction. In the case of Washington state, as with all other U.S. states, state laws do not have the authority to mandate or prohibit the use of train horns. This preemption is a fundamental aspect of the U.S. transportation system, which is protected and regulated by the federal government.

Train Horns as a Federally Required Safety Device

Train horns are not considered unlawful; rather, they are a federally mandated safety device. Under federal law, these horns are required to be present on all locomotives and are an essential component of railroad safety. The purpose of train horns is to alert both pedestrians and other road users to the approach of a train, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

The Required Sounding Pattern and Decibel Level

Train horns are not only required but must also be at a specific and extreme decibel level. The minimum sound level is 95 to 100 decibels (dB), depending on the type of locomotive. The decibel threshold is significantly higher compared to the sound produced by a car horn, as it must be able to effectively communicate the train's presence over a wide range of distances and environmental conditions.

The 2 Long, 1 Short, 1 Long Pattern

A key aspect of train horn usage is the prescribed sounding pattern, which is a series of three distinct horn blasts. The pattern is as follows:

2 long blasts:The lead locomotive sounds a long blast of the horn for three seconds. 1 short blast:Followed by a short blast of less than one second in length. 1 long blast:Ending with another long blast of three seconds.

This pattern must be repeated at least 15 to 20 seconds before reaching a highway crossing. Once the train reaches the crossing, the horn must be sounded continuously until the lead locomotive has crossed the tracks. This requirement is in effect 24/7, meaning no exemptions are made for nighttime or weekend operations.

Quiet Zones and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

Local community members can petition the federal government for designated 'quiet zones.' A quiet zone is an area where a railroad is exempted from sounding its horn at crossings, under the conditions that certain criteria are met. These criteria include:

High physical and technological barriers: To divert pedestrian and vehicular traffic away from the crossing. Automatic warning devices: Such as flashing lights, gates, and bells, must be present at the crossings. Significant reduction in train horn noise: To be achieved through the installation of noise barriers and other mitigating measures.

The application process for quieter operation involves consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and local government agencies. Once a quiet zone is approved and implemented, it can significantly reduce the number of train horn activations, providing much-needed relief for communities.

While train horns are an essential tool for safety, there are solutions for communities that desire a reduction in their frequency and intensity. By working with the FRA and local authorities, residents can achieve a balance between railroad safety and community quality of life.