Joint operations
Joint operations means rail operations conducted by more than one railroad on the same track (except for minimal joint operations necessary for the purpose of interchange), regardless of whether such operations are the result of contractual arrangements between the railroads, order of a governmental agency or a court of law, or any other legally binding directive. For purposes of this part only, minimal joint operations are considered necessary for the purpose of interchange when:
(1) The maximum authorized speed for operations on the shared track does not exceed 20 mph;
(2) Operations are conducted under operating rules that require every locomotive and train to proceed at a speed that permits stopping within one half the range of vision of the locomotive engineer;
(3) The maximum distance for operations on the shared track does not exceed 3 miles; and
(4) Any operations extending into another railroad's yard are for the sole purpose of setting out or picking up cars on a designated interchange track.