Train Noise/Horn Complaint

Train Noise and Horn Regulations

The City of South St. Paul does not have legal authority to regulate train noise. Train operations, including horn usage, are governed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). If you believe a train operator is violating federal noise regulations, you may file a complaint with the FRA using the following link:  FRA Violation Complaint Form .

Union Pacific Railroad: Horn Blowing Guidance

Union Pacific Railroad, which owns the tracks in South St. Paul, has provided the following explanation regarding locomotive horn usage:

• Locomotive horns are required to be sounded at all public, and in some cases private, crossings 15 to 20 seconds before entering the crossing—day or night.
• If there are multiple crossings close together, the horn must be sounded for each.
• The federally mandated horn pattern is: two long, one short, and one long blast, repeated as necessary until the locomotive clears the crossing.  Learn more about the Train Horn Rule .
• The horn’s decibel level is also regulated by the FRA.
• Engineers may also sound the horn in emergency situations—such as when an animal, trespasser, or vehicle is near the tracks, or during maintenance work.

For more on horn usage and rail safety, visit:  Union Pacific: Train Horns and Signals .