49 CFR § 214.525 - Towing with on-track roadway maintenance machines or hi-rail vehicles.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t49/s214.525"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "49 CFR § 214.525 - Towing with on-track roadway maintenance machines or hi-rail vehicles."
title_number: 49
title_name: "Transportation"
section_number: "214.525"
section_name: "Towing with on-track roadway maintenance machines or hi-rail vehicles."
chapter_name: "FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
part_number: "214"
part_name: "RAILROAD WORKPLACE SAFETY"
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. 20102-20103, 20107, 21301-21302, 31304; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89."
regulatory_source: "57 FR 28127, June 24, 1992, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "214"
---


# 214.525 Towing with on-track roadway maintenance machines or hi-rail vehicles.

(a) When used to tow pushcars or other maintenance-of-way equipment, each on-track roadway maintenance machine or hi-rail vehicle shall be equipped with a towing bar or other coupling device that provides a safe and secure attachment.

(b) An on-track roadway maintenance machine or hi-rail vehicle shall not be used to tow pushcars or other maintenance-of-way equipment if the towing would cause the machine or hi-rail vehicle to exceed the capabilities of its braking system. In determining the limit of the braking system, the employer must consider the track grade (slope), as well as the number and weight of pushcars or other equipment to be towed.