49 CFR § 213.352 - Torch cut rail.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t49/s213.352"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "49 CFR § 213.352 - Torch cut rail."
title_number: 49
title_name: "Transportation"
section_number: "213.352"
section_name: "Torch cut rail."
chapter_name: "FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
part_number: "213"
part_name: "TRACK SAFETY STANDARDS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "49 U.S.C. 20102-20114 and 20142; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89."
regulatory_source: "63 FR 34029, June 22, 1998, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "213"
---


# 213.352 Torch cut rail.

(a) Except as a temporary repair in emergency situations no rail having a torch cut end shall be used. When a rail end with a torch cut is used in emergency situations, train speed over that rail shall not exceed the maximum allowable for Class 2 track. All torch cut rail ends in Class 6 shall be removed within six months of September 21, 1998.

(b) Following the expiration of the time limits specified in paragraph (a) of this section, any torch cut rail end not removed shall be removed within 30 days of discovery. Train speed over that rail shall not exceed the maximum allowable for Class 2 track until removed.