Title 49TransportationRelease 119-73

§20502 Requirements for installation and use

Title 49 › Subtitle SUBTITLE V— - RAIL PROGRAMS › Part PART A— - SAFETY › Chapter CHAPTER 205— - SIGNAL SYSTEMS › § 20502

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary of Transportation can order a railroad to install a signal system on any part of its tracks after an investigation if it is needed for the public interest. The order must give the railroad a reasonable time to finish. The railroad cannot stop or significantly change a required system without the Secretary’s approval. If signals are ordered only for some parts, the railroad is not at fault for not installing them elsewhere, and having signals on one part cannot be used against it in a lawsuit about an accident on a part without signals. A railroad may only use a signal system if it can be operated safely without unnecessary risk of injury and if it has been inspected and can pass any tests required under this law.

Full Legal Text

Title 49, §20502

Transportation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)(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)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.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised SectionSource (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.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

49 U.S.C. § 20502

Title 49Transportation

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73