republic-os/legal/us/code/title-49/chapter-205/section-20502.md

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LegalText	49 U.S.C. § 20502	Requirements for installation and use	us	united_states_code	code_section	49	TRANSPORTATION	205	SIGNAL SYSTEMS	20502	49 U.S.C. § 20502	current	119-100	2026-06-26	official	https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc49@119-100.zip	/us/usc/t49/s20502	data/legal/raw/us/code/title-49/usc49.xml	b0e8455f2c52521337a2501e9da3058f43157cd945c6ad79e152e4cf095c3eec	0786acdd244d8f42c5a8e8ed1ec2a8dcb47dd0e02a286752710a20745702a4fb	52eaa8b9d3361de21889822477620a76093b635d5262a842eac4b5975f35e096	2026-07-04	official	legal us-code

49 U.S.C. § 20502 - Requirements for installation and use

Text

(a) Installation.— (1) When the Secretary of Transportation decides after an investigation that it is necessary in the public interest, the Secretary may order a railroad carrier to install, on any part of its railroad line, a signal system that complies with requirements of the Secretary. The order must allow the carrier a reasonable time to complete the installation. A carrier may discontinue or materially alter a signal system required under this paragraph only with the approval of the Secretary.

(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) Use.— A railroad carrier may allow a signal system to be used on its railroad line only when the system, including its controlling and operating appurtenances—

(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.

(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 883.)

Notes

Historical and Revision Notes RevisedSectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 20502(a)49 App.:26(b).Feb. 4, 1887, ch. 104, 24 Stat. 379, § 25(b); added Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, § 441, 41 Stat. 498; restated Aug. 26, 1937, ch. 818, 50 Stat. 835; Sept. 18, 1940, ch. 722, § 14(b), 54 Stat. 919; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 17(2), (8), 102 Stat. 635, 636.  49 App.:1655(e)(6)(A).Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, § 6(e)(6)(A), 80 Stat. 939. 20502(b)49 App.:26(e).Feb. 4, 1887, ch. 104, 24 Stat. 379, § 25(e); added Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, § 441, 41 Stat. 498; restated Aug. 26, 1937, ch. 818, 50 Stat. 836; Sept. 18, 1940, ch. 722, § 14(b), 54 Stat. 919; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 17(5), 102 Stat. 636. 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.