
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: 49USC20504]

 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
                        SUBTITLE V--RAIL PROGRAMS
 
                             PART A--SAFETY
 
                       CHAPTER 205--SIGNAL SYSTEMS
 
Sec. 20504. Inspection, testing, and investigation

    (a) Systems in Use.--(1) The Secretary of Transportation may--
        (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) Systems Submitted for Investigation and Testing.--The Secretary 
may investigate, test, and report on the use of and need for a signal 
system, without cost to the United States Government, when the system is 
submitted in completed shape for investigation and testing.

(Pub. L. 103-272, Sec. 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 884.)

                                          Historical and Revision Notes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
           Revised  Section                    Source (U.S. Code)              
 Source (Statutes at Large)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
20504(a)..............................  49 App.:26(d).                   Feb. 4
, 1887, ch. 104, 24 Stat. 379,
                                                                          Sec. 
 25(d); 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(4), (8), 102 Stat.
                                                                          635, 
636.
                                        49 App.:1655(e)(6)(A).           Oct. 1
5, 1966, Pub. L. 89-670, Sec.
                                                                          6(e)(
1)(I), (6)(A), 80 Stat. 939.
20504(b)..............................  45:36.                           May 27
, 1908, ch. 200, Sec.  1 (1st
                                                                          compl
ete par. on p. 325), 35 Stat.
                                                                          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.

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in section 501 of this title.
