49 C.F.R. PART 233—SIGNAL SYSTEMS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Title 49 - Transportation
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20103, 20107; 28 U.S.C. 2461, note; and 49 CFR 1.49.
Source: 49 FR 3379, Jan. 26, 1984, unless otherwise noted.
This part prescribed reporting requirements with respect to methods of train operation, block signal systems, interlockings, traffic control systems, automatic train stop, train control, and cab signal systems, or other similar appliances, methods, and systems. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this part applies to railroads that operate on standard gage track which is part of the general railroad system of transportation. (b) This part does not apply to rail rapid transit operations conducted over track that is used exclusively for that purpose and that is not part of the general system of railroad transportation. Each carrier shall report within 24 hours to the Federal Railroad Administration by toll free telephone, number 800–424–0201, whenever it learns of the occurrence of an accident/incident arising from the failure of an appliance, device, method or system to function or indicate as required by part 236 of this title that results in a more favorable aspect than intended or other condition hazardous to the movement of a train. Effective Date Note: At 49 FR 3379, Jan. 26, 1984, part 233 was revised. This section contains information collection and recordkeeping requirements and will not become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget.
Each carrier shall report within 15 days each failure of an appliance, device, method, or system to function or indicate as required by part 236 of this title that results in a more favorable aspect than intended or other condition hazardous to the movement of a train. Form FRA F6180–14, “Signal Failure Report,” shall be used for this purpose and completed in accordance with instructions printed on the form. Not later than April 1, 1997 and every 5 years thereafter, each carrier shall file with FRA a signal system status report “Signal System Five-year Report” on a form to be provided by FRA in accordance with instructions and definitions provided on the report. [61 FR 33872, July 1, 1996] Any person (an entity of any type covered under 1 U.S.C. 1, including but not limited to the following: a railroad; a manager, supervisor, official, or other employee or agent of a railroad; any owner, manufacturer, lessor, or lessee of railroad equipment, track, or facilities; any independent contractor providing goods or services to a railroad; and any employee of such owner, manufacturer, lessor, lessee, or independent contractor) who violates any requirement of this part or causes the violation of any such requirement is subject to a civil penalty of at least $550 and not more than $11,000 per violation, except that: Penalties may be assessed against individuals only for willful violations, and, where a grossly negligent violation or a pattern of repeated violations has created an imminent hazard of death or injury to persons, or has caused death or injury, a penalty not to exceed $27,000 per violation may be assessed. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. See appendix A to this part for a statement of agency civil penalty policy. [63 FR 11623, Mar. 10, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 30595, May 28, 2004] Whoever knowingly and willfully— (a) Makes, causes to be made, or participates in the making of a false entry in reports required to be filed by this part; or (b) Files a false report or other document required to be filed by this part is subject to a $5,000 fine and 2 years imprisonment as prescribed by 49 U.S.C. 522(a) and section 209(e) of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, as amended (45 U.S.C. 438(e)). 1 A penalty may be assessed against an individual only for a willful violation. The Administrator reserves the right to assess a penalty of up to $27,000 for any violation where circumstances warrant. See 49 CFR part 209, appendix A. [53 FR 52936, Dec. 29, 1988, as amended at 63 FR 11623, Mar. 10, 1998; 69 FR 30595, May 28, 2004]
Title 49: Transportation
PART 233—SIGNAL SYSTEMS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Section Contents
§ 233.1 Scope.
§ 233.3 Application.
§ 233.5 Accidents resulting from signal failure.
§ 233.7 Signal failure reports.
§ 233.9 Reports.
§ 233.11 Civil penalties.
§ 233.13 Criminal penalty.
Appendix A to Part 233—Schedule of Civil Penalties1
§ 233.1 Scope.
top
§ 233.3 Application.
top
§ 233.5 Accidents resulting from signal failure.
top
§ 233.7 Signal failure reports.
top
§ 233.9 Reports.
top
§ 233.11 Civil penalties.
top
§ 233.13 Criminal penalty.
top
Appendix A to Part 233—Schedule of Civil Penalties1
top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Willful Section Violation violation------------------------------------------------------------------------233.5 Accidents resulting from signal failure. $2,500 $5,000233.7 Signal failure reports.................. 5,000 7,500233.9 Annual reports.......................... 1,000 2,000------------------------------------------------------------------------
