---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 236.203"
title: "49"
number: "236.203"
heading: "Hand operated crossover between main tracks; protection."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/236.203"
---

# §236.203. Hand operated crossover between main tracks; protection.


At hand-operated crossover between main tracks, protection shall be provided by one of the following:

- (a) An arrangement of one or more track circuits and switch circuit controllers,
- (b) Facing point locks on both switches of the crossover, with both locks operated by a single lever, or
- (c) **Electric locking of the switches of the crossover.** Signals governing movements over either switch shall display their most restrictive aspect when any of the following conditions exist:
  - (1) Where protection is provided by one or more track circuits and switch circuit controllers, and either switch is open or the crossover is occupied by a train, locomotive or car in such a manner as to foul the main track. It shall not be a violation of this requirement where the presence of sand, rust, dirt, grease or other foreign matter on the rail prevents effective shunting;
  - (2) Where facing point locks with a single lever are provided, and either switch is unlocked;
  - (3) Where the switches are electrically locked, before the electric locking releases.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20102-20103, 20107, 20133, 20141, 20157, 20301-20303, 20306, 20501-20505, 20701-20703, 21301-21302, 21304; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89.

### Source

Source: 33 FR 19684, Dec. 25, 1968, unless otherwise noted.