The movement of railway trains in carriages forward is one of the most important maneuvers, requiring strict adherence to speed limits. Unlike locomotive traction, where the driver has a direct view of the track, when moving “push” the risks of collisions, derailments and damage to infrastructure increase significantly. Rules of technical operation (RTE) and local instructions Distance learning systems (DLS) strictly regulate the permissible speeds of such maneuvers, but in practice their interpretation often raises questions.

In this article we will analyze in detail what speed limits apply when moving carriages forward along free railway tracks (that is, not occupied by other trains or rolling stock), as they depend on the type of track, weather conditions and technical condition of the train. We will pay special attention to current regulations SDO 2026, as well as typical errors that lead to security violations. The material will be useful to drivers, train designers, instructors and traffic safety specialists.

Regulatory framework: what does the SDO say about the speed of maneuvers with cars forward?

The basic requirements for the speed of shunting movements are set out in the following documents:

  • 📜 Rules for technical operation of Russian railways (RTE) — clauses 16.12–16.15, where general restrictions for shunting work are prescribed.
  • 📄 Instructions for train movement and shunting operations (IDP) — Section 8, dedicated to speed limits during maneuvers.
  • 💻 Local LMS instructions — internal regulations of railways, which can tighten or detail general rules (for example, for specific stations or depots).
  • 🔧 Technical operating conditions for rolling stock — restrictions related to the type of cars (passenger, freight, special).

According to Clause 16.13 of the PTE, when moving cars forward on free tracks, the maximum speed should not exceed 25 km/h. However, this value may be adjusted depending on:

  • 🚆 Path type (main, receiving and dispatching, exhaust, sorting).
  • 🌧️ Weather conditions (ice, snowfall, fog).
  • 🔦 Visibility (night time, insufficient lighting).
  • 🛠️ Technical condition of the composition (faulty brakes, worn wheelsets).
⚠️ Attention: At some stations where they are used automated maneuver control systems (ASUM), speed limits may be reduced to 15 km/h regardless of conditions. This is due to the peculiarities of the operation of the system’s sensors and algorithms.

Table of speed limits for different types of tracks

Below is an updated table of permissible speeds when moving cars forward on free tracks in accordance with the latest editions of the PTE and SDO instructions. The values ​​are given for standard conditions (daytime, good visibility, serviceable composition).

Path type Maximum speed, km/h Notes
Main paths 15 Movement of carriages forward along the main tracks is permitted only in exceptional cases (for example, when overtaking or detouring).
Reception routes 20 At stations with electrical centralization, the speed can be increased to 25 km/h with the permission of the DSP.
Exhaust paths 25 Standard limitation for shunting work. When sorting, the speed is reduced to 15 km/h.
Sorting humps 10–15 Speed is regulated by automatic retarders. Manual control requires a reduction to 10 km/h.
Ways of settling and repair 10 The restriction is in effect due to the possible presence of people or equipment on the tracks.

It is important to consider that when adverse weather conditions (ice, strong wind, fog with visibility less than 200 m) the speed should be reduced by 30–50% of the specified values. For example, on the exhaust route, instead of 25 km/h, no more than 12–15 km/h is allowed.

📊 How often do you encounter forward maneuvers?
Daily
Several times a week
Rarely
Never

Factors influencing the choice of maneuver speed

Even if the path is clear and the weather is favorable, the driver must consider additional factors that may require a reduction in speed. Let's look at the key ones:

1. Technical condition of the composition

  • 🔧 Wear of wheelsets: At extreme wear (pothole depth more than 1 mm), the speed is reduced by 20%.
  • 🚫 Faulty brakes: If more than 10% of the cars have inoperative brake systems, forward maneuvers with the cars are prohibited.
  • 🔗 Hitches: When using extended hitches (more than 110 mm), the speed should not exceed 10 km/h.

2. Path profile

On sections with slopes or curves of small radius, the speed must be adjusted:

  • 📉 Slopes more than 6‰: speed reduction by 30% (for example, from 25 to 17 km/h).
  • 🔄 Curves with radius less than 300 m: speed no more than 15 km/h.
  • 🚧 Turnouts: driving on a side road - no faster than 10 km/h.

3. Features of rolling stock

Some types of cars require a special approach:

  • 🚂 Passenger carriages: when moving carriages forward, the speed is no more than 15 km/h (due to the risk of damage to automatic couplers).
  • 💨 Wagons with dangerous goods: the speed is reduced to 10 km/h and maneuvers are carried out only under the guidance of a responsible person.
  • 📦 Platforms with oversized cargo: Special permit required and speed no more than 5 km/h.
💡

When maneuvering with wagons loaded timber or long cargo, it is recommended to use radio communication between the driver and the compiler for quick speed adjustment. This helps to avoid “jerking” and swinging of the load.

Typical mistakes and speed violations

An analysis of incidents in railway transport shows that most accidents when shunting wagons forward occur due to non-compliance with speed limits. Let's look at the most common mistakes:

  1. Speeding on turnouts. Drivers often forget that driving along the side track of a transfer curve requires reducing the speed to 10 km/h. Consequences: derailment of cars, damage to switches.
  2. Ignoring weather conditions. For example, when there is ice, the braking distance increases by 2–3 times, but the speed is not adjusted. Result: inability to stop the train in time.
  3. Failure to take train length into account. The longer the train, the more difficult it is to control it when moving cars forward. With a length of more than 50 cars, the speed must be reduced by 20%.
  4. Lack of communication with the originator. Without operational information about the condition of the track or cars, the driver cannot adequately assess risks.
⚠️ Attention: According to statistics Russian Railways, more than 40% of incidents during maneuvers are related to speeding by 5–10 km/h. This seems like a minor deviation, but when cars move forward, it often leads to chain collisions due to the inertia of the composition.

To avoid mistakes, drivers are advised to:

Check the technical condition of the cars (brakes, couplings)

Check with the chipboard about the track features (slopes, curves, turnouts)

Assess weather conditions and visibility

Agree on the speed limit with the train compiler

Confirm that the path is clear (visually or using signals)

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Practical guide: how to choose the right speed

Choosing the optimal speed when moving cars forward is a balance between safety and efficiency of maneuvers. We offer a step-by-step algorithm for drivers:

Step 1: Path Evaluation

Before you start driving:

  • 📋 Check with station duty officer (DSP) path class (main, destination, etc.).
  • 🔍 Visually inspect the path for obstacles (foreign objects, people, equipment).
  • 📏 Pay attention to path profile: are there any slopes, curves, turnouts.

Step 2. Checking the composition

Make sure that:

  • 🔧 All cars have working brakes (especially the first 5–10 cars from the locomotive).
  • 🔗 Hitch devices have no play or damage.
  • 🚨 There are no cars with oversized cargo or hazardous substances (if any, special permission is required).

Step 3. Taking into account external conditions

Adjust the speed taking into account:

  • 🌤️ Visibility: in fog or at night, the speed is reduced by 30%.
  • 💨 weather: Ice, snow or strong winds require additional speed reduction.
  • 📡 Connections: If radio communication with the originator is unstable, the speed should not exceed 10 km/h.

Step 4. Control during movement

During the maneuver:

  • 🎯 Follow behavior of the composition: rocking of the cars is a signal to immediately reduce speed.
  • 🚦 Prepare for emergency braking when obstacles or signals appear.
  • 📢 Maintain voice communication with the compiler for prompt correction of actions.
💡

Even on a free path under ideal conditions the maximum speed of carriages forward should not exceed 25 km/h. Exceeding this value is considered a gross violation of the PTE and entails disciplinary liability.

Responsibility for violating the speed limit

Failure to comply with speed limits when maneuvering carriages forward is regarded as a gross violation Technical Operation Rules and can have serious consequences:

Disciplinary responsibility

  • 📝 Reprimand or remark in the work book (for the first violation).
  • 💼 Deprivation of bonus or demotion (in case of repeated cases).
  • 🚫 Suspension from work for a period of up to 3 months (for systematic violations).

Administrative and criminal liability

If violation of the speed limit resulted in:

  • 💥 Accident or wreck: fine up to 50,000 rubles. or deprivation of the right to drive a locomotive for 1–2 years (Article 11.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
  • 🚨 To human casualties: criminal liability under Art. 263 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Violation of traffic safety rules").
  • 💰 Material damage: compensation at the expense of the perpetrator (amounts can reach millions of rubles).
⚠️ Attention: According to the order Russian Railways No. 28ts from 2023, all cases of speeding when maneuvering cars forward are recorded flight recorders (CLUB-U, TSCBM). Data from these devices is used as evidence in legal proceedings.

To avoid liability, drivers are advised to:

  • 📹 News audio recording of negotiations with the chipboard and the compiler (in case of controversial situations).
  • 📋 Fix in magazine TU-152 all features of maneuvers (weather, track conditions, comments).
  • 🔄 Take it regularly PTE knowledge testing in the LMS system (at least once every 6 months).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to exceed the speed of 25 km/h when moving carriages forward if the track is completely clear and the weather is good?

No, 25 km/h is the maximum permissible speed according to the PTE, and it cannot be exceeded even under ideal conditions. The exception is special instructions station manager, but they are issued extremely rarely and only for specific cases (for example, when evacuating a train).

What speed is allowed when carriages move forward along the main track?

On the main tracks, forward movement of wagons is permitted only in exceptional cases (for example, when going around an obstacle) and at a speed no more than 15 km/h. This is due to the high risk of collision with other trains.

How does the length of the train affect the speed of the maneuver?

When the train length is more than 50 cars, the speed must be reduced by 20% of the established limit. For example, if the standard for a track is 25 km/h, then for a long train the maximum speed will be 20 km/h. This is due to increased inertia and control complexity.

What to do if the carriages begin to sway when moving forward?

Necessary reduce speed immediately up to 5–10 km/h and, if necessary, stop the train. Wobbling can be caused by faulty brakes, worn wheelsets, or improper coupling. Continuing to drive in this condition is prohibited!

What documents regulate the speed of maneuvers with cars forward?

Main documents:

  • 📜 PTE (clauses 16.12–16.15) - general rules.
  • 📄 FID (section 8) - speed limits.
  • 💻 Local LMS instructions — internal standards of railways.
  • 📋 Orders of Russian Railways (for example, No. 28ts of 2023 on recording violations).