CHAPTER 205 —SIGNAL SYSTEMS
§20501. Definition
In this chapter, "signal system" means a block signal system, an interlocking, automatic train stop, train control, or cab-signal device, or a similar appliance, method, device, or system intended to promote safety in railroad operations.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 20501 | (no source). |
This section is added to eliminate the unnecessary repetition of the words used in the definition. The definition is derived from 49 App.:26(b)–(f).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Signal Protection
"(a)
"(b)
§20502. Requirements for installation and use
(a)
(2) A railroad carrier ordered under paragraph (1) of this subsection to install a signal system on one part of its railroad line may not be held negligent for not installing the system on any part of its line that was not included in the order. If an accident or incident occurs on a part of the line on which the signal system was not required to be installed and was not installed, the use of the system on another part of the line may not be considered in a civil action brought because of the accident or incident.
(b)
(1) may be operated safely without unnecessary risk of personal injury; and
(2) has been inspected and can meet any test prescribed under this chapter.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 20502(a) | 49 App.:26(b). | Feb. 4, 1887, ch. 104, |
| 49 App.:1655(e)(6)(A). | Oct. 15, 1966, |
|
| 20502(b) | 49 App.:26(e). | Feb. 4, 1887, ch. 104, |
In this section, the words "signal system" are substituted for "block signal system, interlocking, automatic train stop, train control, and/or cab-signal devices, and/or other similar appliances, methods, and systems intended to promote the safety of railroad operation" and "such systems, devices, appliances, or methods" in 49 App.:26(b) and "any system, device, or appliance covered by this section" and "such apparatus" in 49 App.:26(e) because of the definition of "signal system" in section 20501 of the revised title.
In subsection (a)(1), the words "decides after an investigation that it is necessary in the public interest" are substituted for "after investigation, if found necessary in the public interest" for clarity. The word "specifications" is omitted as included in "requirements". The words "The order must allow the carrier a reasonable time to complete the installation" are substituted for "such order to be issued and published a reasonable time (as determined by the Secretary) in advance of the date for its fulfillment" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "a signal system required under this paragraph" are substituted for "That block signal systems, interlocking, automatic train stop, train control, and cab-signal devices in use on August 26, 1937, or such systems or devices hereinafter installed" to eliminate unnecessary or obsolete words and because of the definition of "signal system" in section 20501 of the revised title.
In subsection (a)(2), the words "railroad line" are substituted for "railroad" for consistency in the revised title. The word "civil" is added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words "or incident" are added for consistency in this part.
In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words "may allow . . . only when" are substituted for "It shall be unlawful . . . unless . . . unless" for clarity. In clause (1), the words "in proper condition and" and "in the service to which it is put" are omitted as being covered by the words of the clause. The words "risk of personal injury" are substituted for "peril to life and limb" for clarity. The words "from time to time" are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words "prescribed under this chapter" are substituted for "in accordance with the provisions of this section" and "prescribed in the rules and regulations provided for in this section" for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words.
§20503. Amending regulations and changing requirements
The Secretary of Transportation may amend a regulation or change a requirement applicable to a railroad carrier for installing, maintaining, inspecting, or repairing a signal system under this chapter—
(1) when the carrier files with the Secretary a request for the amendment or change and the Secretary approves the request; or
(2) on the Secretary's own initiative for good cause shown.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 20503 | 49 App.:26(c). | Feb. 4, 1887, ch. 104, |
| 49 App.:1655(e)(6)(A). | Oct. 15, 1966, |
In this section, before clause (1), the text of 49 App.:26(c) (words before 2d proviso) is omitted as executed. The words "The Secretary of Transportation may amend . . . change" are substituted for "and approved by the Secretary of Transportation" and "the Secretary may . . . revise, amend, or modify" for clarity and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "regulation or . . . a requirement applicable to a railroad carrier for installing, maintaining, inspecting, or repairing a signal system under this chapter" are substituted for "rules, standards, and instructions herein provided for" and "rules, standards, and instructions prescribed by him under this subsection" for clarity, for consistency in the revised title, and because of the restatement. Clause (1) is substituted for "such railroad may from time to time change . . . but such change shall not take effect and the new rules, standards, and instructions be enforced until they shall have been filed with" for clarity and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "and as revised, amended, or modified they shall be obligatory upon the railroad after a copy thereof shall have been served as above provided" are omitted as being superseded by 5:ch. 5, subch. II.
§20504. Inspection, testing, and investigation
(a)
(A) inspect and test a signal system used by a railroad carrier; and
(B) decide whether the system is in safe operating condition.
(2) In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may employ only an individual who—
(A) has no interest in a patented article required to be used on or with a signal system; and
(B) has no financial interest in a railroad carrier or in a concern dealing in railroad supplies.
(b)
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 20504(a) | 49 App.:26(d). | Feb. 4, 1887, ch. 104, |
| 49 App.:1655(e)(6)(A). | Oct. 15, 1966, |
|
| 20504(b) | 45:36. | May 27, 1908, ch. 200, §1 (1st complete par. on p. 325), |
| 49 App.:1655(e)(1)(I). |
In subsection (a)(1)(B), the words "safe operating condition" are substituted for "proper condition to operate and provide adequate safety" to eliminate unnecessary words.
In subsection (a)(2), before clause (A), the text of 49:26(d) (2d sentence) is omitted because of 5:3101. The text of 49:26(d) (3d sentence) is omitted because of 5:ch. 33. The words "In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may employ" are substituted for "shall be used for such purpose" for clarity. In clause (A), the words "either directly or indirectly" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (b), the word "experimentally" is omitted as surplus. The words "signal system" are substituted for "any appliances or systems intended to promote the safety of railway operation" because of the definition of "signal system" in section 20501 of the revised title. The text of 45:36 (last sentence) is omitted because of 49:323.
§20505. Reports of malfunctions and accidents
In the way and to the extent required by the Secretary of Transportation, a railroad carrier shall report to the Secretary a failure of a signal system to function as intended. If the failure results in an accident or incident causing injury to an individual or property that is required to be reported under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the carrier owning or maintaining the signal system shall report to the Secretary immediately in writing the fact of the accident or incident.
(
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 20505 | 49 App.:26(f) (words before last semicolon). | Feb. 4, 1887, ch. 104, |
| 49 App.:1655(e)(6)(A). | Oct. 15, 1966, |
The words "signal system" are substituted for "such systems, devices, or appliances" because of the definition of "signal system" in section 20501 of the revised title. The word "indicate" is omitted as being included in "function". The words "or incident" are added for consistency in this part. The word "individual" is substituted for "person", and the word "immediately" is substituted for "forthwith", for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.