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2021 US Code
Title 49 - Transportation
Subtitle V - Rail Programs
Part A - Safety
Chapter 205 - Signal Systems
Sec. 20504 - Inspection, testing, and investigation

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Citation 49 U.S.C. § 20504 (2021)
Section Name §20504. Inspection, testing, and investigation
Section Text

(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.
Source Credit

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 884.)
Editorial Notes
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
20504(a) 49 App.:26(d). Feb. 4, 1887, ch. 104, 24 Stat. 379, §25(d); 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(4), (8), 102 Stat. 635, 636.
  49 App.:1655(e)(6)(A). Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(I), (6)(A), 80 Stat. 939.
20504(b) 45:36. May 27, 1908, ch. 200, §1 (1st complete 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.
Publication Title United States Code, 2018 Edition, Supplement 3, Title 49 - TRANSPORTATION
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 49 - TRANSPORTATION
SUBTITLE V - RAIL PROGRAMS
PART A - SAFETY
CHAPTER 205 - SIGNAL SYSTEMS
Sec. 20504 - Inspection, testing, and investigation
Contains section 20504
Date 2021
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 3, 2022
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 24 Stat. 379
35 Stat. 325
41 Stat. 498
50 Stat. 836
54 Stat. 919
80 Stat. 939
102 Stat. 635
108 Stat. 884
Public Law References Public Law 89-670, Public Law 100-342, Public Law 103-272
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