49 CFR §213.4
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
A track owner may designate a segment of track as excepted track provided that—
- (a)The segment is identified in the timetable, special instructions, general order, or other appropriate records which are available for inspection during regular business hours;
- (b)The identified segment is not located within 30 feet of an adjacent track which can be subjected to simultaneous use at speeds in excess of 10 miles per hour;
- (c)The identified segment is inspected in accordance with 213.233(c) and 213.235 at the frequency specified for Class 1 track;
- (d)The identified segment of track is not located on a bridge including the track approaching the bridge for 100 feet on either side, or located on a public street or highway, if railroad cars containing commodities required to be placarded by the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR part 172), are moved over the track; and
- (e)The railroad conducts operations on the identified segment under the following conditions:
- (1)No train shall be operated at speeds in excess of 10 miles per hour;
- (2)No occupied passenger train shall be operated;
- (3)No freight train shall be operated that contains more than five cars required to be placarded by the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR part 172); and
- (4)The gage on excepted track shall not be more than 4 feet 10 1/4 inches. This paragraph (e)(4) is applicable September 21, 1999.
- (f)A track owner shall advise the Track and Structures Division of FRA's Office of Railroad Safety (Track and Structures Division) at least 10 days prior to removal of a segment of track from excepted status.