49 CFR Part 233 — Signal Systems Reporting Requirements

PART 233—SIGNAL SYSTEMS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Authority: 49 U.S.C. 504, 522, 20103, 20107, 20501-20505, 21301, 21302, 21311; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89. Source: 49 FR 3379, Jan. 26, 1984, unless otherwise noted. § 233.1 Scope. 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. § 233.3 Application. (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. § 233.5 Accidents resulting from signal failure. 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. Section 233.5 contains information collection and recordkeeping requirements and will not become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget. § 233.7 Signal failure reports. 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. (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2130-0007) § 233.9 [Reserved] § 233.11 Civil penalties. (a) Any person who violates any requirement of this part or causes the violation of any such requirement is subject to a civil penalty of at least the minimum civil monetary penalty and not more than the ordinary maximum civil monetary penalty per violation. However, penalties may be assessed against individuals only for willful violations, and a penalty not to exceed the aggravated maximum civil monetary penalty per violation may be assessed, where: (1) A grossly negligent violation, or a pattern of repeated violations, has created an imminent hazard of death or injury to persons; or (2) A death or injury has occurred. See 49 CFR part 209, appendix A. (b) “Person” means an entity of any type covered under 49 U.S.C. 21301, including 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. (c) Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. See FRA's website at https://railroads.dot.gov/ [90 FR 28174, July 1, 2025] § 233.13 Criminal penalty. 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 and 49 U.S.C. 21311. [49 FR 3379, Jan. 26, 1984, as amended at 79 FR 37669, July 2, 2014]

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