Keepin' ON TRACK
Technical Data

Locomotive Horn Signals

Railroads are required by a variety of state laws to sound their horns in advance of all crossings. They are sounded as a safety precaution to warn of approaching trains. But, some citizens that live in the vicinity of railroad crossings where trains are crossing in the middle of the night would like the horns to be silenced. The Federal Railroad Administration has studied the possibility of banning locomotive horns in situations where crossings can be equipped with full quadrant gates so motorists can't drive around them. There has been no ruling in this as yet, however, a ban on locomotive horns in Florida was ordered removed by the FRA after it was discovered that the accident rate doubled during the time of the ban.

SOUND
* S = Short Sound
* L = Long Sound MEANING

S S S S S S + An emergency exists, persons or livestock are on the track. Crews on other trains hearing this signal must stop until safe to proceed.

L The train is stopped and the air brakes have been applied. Air pressure is equalized.

L L The train has released the brakes and is proceeding forward.

S S S The train was stopped and is backing up. Also, an acknowledgement of a hand signal to back up.

S S S S A request for a signal to be given or repeated if not understood.

S S An acknowledgment of any signal not otherwise provided for.

L S S S Instruction for flagman to protect rear of the train.

L L L L The flagman may return from the west or the south.

L L L L L The flagman may return from the east or the north.

L L S L The train is approaching a public crossing. The signal starts no less than one quarter of a mile if distance permits. The signal is prolonged or repeated until the engine occupies the crossing. This signal is used to warn employees when view is restricted. (This the most recognizable pattern)

S L Inspect the brake system for leaks or sticking brakes.

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SOUND * S = Short Sound * L = Long Sound	MEANING
S S S S S S +	An emergency exists, persons or livestock are on the track. Crews on other trains hearing this signal must stop until safe to proceed.
L	The train is stopped and the air brakes have been applied. Air pressure is equalized.
L L	The train has released the brakes and is proceeding forward.
S S S	The train was stopped and is backing up. Also, an acknowledgement of a hand signal to back up.
S S S S	A request for a signal to be given or repeated if not understood.
S S	An acknowledgment of any signal not otherwise provided for.
L S S S	Instruction for flagman to protect rear of the train.
L L L L	The flagman may return from the west or the south.
L L L L L	The flagman may return from the east or the north.
L L S L	The train is approaching a public crossing. The signal starts no less than one quarter of a mile if distance permits. The signal is prolonged or repeated until the engine occupies the crossing. This signal is used to warn employees when view is restricted. (This the most recognizable pattern)
S L	Inspect the brake system for leaks or sticking brakes.