---
title: "Who is considered a locomotive engineer under federal certification rules, and are there exceptions? Answer in under 100 words."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/rail/considered-locomotive-engineer-under-federal-certification-rules-there
jurisdiction: "US Federal · 49 CFR Part 218"
last_verified: 2026-08-26
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# Who is considered a locomotive engineer under federal certification rules, and are there exceptions? Answer in under 100 words.

Under federal regulations, a locomotive engineer is the crew member assigned to control the locomotive. The engineer must be present in the cab unless, while the locomotive is stationary, the engineer is safely replaced by another member of the same crew. This exception is specified in 49 CFR 218.22(c)(2).

## Definition

A locomotive engineer is the crew member assigned to control the locomotive. The engineer is required to be present in the cab of the controlling locomotive.

## Exception

While the locomotive is stationary, the engineer may be replaced in the cab by another member of the same crew. This exception is provided in 49 CFR 218.22(c)(2).

## Sources

- [1] U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 49 CFR 218.22 — Utility employee · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-218.22 · as of 2026-08-26