
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 49USC20502]

 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
                        SUBTITLE V--RAIL PROGRAMS
 
                             PART A--SAFETY
 
                       CHAPTER 205--SIGNAL SYSTEMS
 
Sec. 20502. Requirements for installation and use

    (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, Sec. 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 883.)

                                          Historical and Revision Notes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
           Revised  Section                    Source (U.S. Code)              
 Source (Statutes at Large)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
20502(a)..............................  49 App.:26(b).                   Feb. 4
, 1887, ch. 104, 24 Stat. 379,
                                                                          Sec. 
 25(b); added Feb. 28, 1920, ch.
                                                                          91, S
ec.  441, 41 Stat. 498; restated
                                                                          Aug. 
26, 1937, ch. 818, 50 Stat. 835;
                                                                          Sept.
 18, 1940, ch. 722, Sec.  14(b),
                                                                          54 St
at. 919; June 22, 1988, Pub. L.
                                                                          100-3
42, Sec.  17(2), (8), 102 Stat.
                                                                          635, 
636.
                                        49 App.:1655(e)(6)(A).           Oct. 1
5, 1966, Pub. L. 89-670, Sec.
                                                                          6(e)(
6)(A), 80 Stat. 939.
20502(b)..............................  49 App.:26(e).                   Feb. 4
, 1887, ch. 104, 24 Stat. 379,
                                                                          Sec. 
 25(e); added Feb. 28, 1920, ch.
                                                                          91, S
ec.  441, 41 Stat. 498; restated
                                                                          Aug. 
26, 1937, ch. 818, 50 Stat. 836;
                                                                          Sept.
 18, 1940, ch. 722, Sec.  14(b),
                                                                          54 St
at. 919; June 22, 1988, Pub. L.
                                                                          100-3
42, Sec.  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.
