49 U.s.c. 20137-20138

49 U.S.C. § 20137 - Event recorders

Hometitle 49subtitle vpart achapter 201subchapter ii49 usc 20137

49 USC 20137 - Event recorders

(a) Definition.— 
In this section, event recorder means a device that

(1) records train speed, hot box detection, throttle position, brake application, brake operations, and any other function the Secretary of Transportation considers necessary to record to assist in monitoring the safety of train operation, such as time and signal indication; and

(2) is designed to resist tampering.

(b) Regulations and Orders.— 
Not later than December 22, 1989, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations and issue orders that may be necessary to enhance safety by requiring that a train be equipped with an event recorder not later than one year after the regulations are prescribed and the orders are issued. However, if the Secretary finds it is impracticable to equip trains within that one-year period, the Secretary may extend the period to a date that is not later than 18 months after the regulations are prescribed and the orders are issued.

49 U.S.C. § 20138 : US Code - Section 20138: Tampering with safety and operational monitoring devices

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(a) General. - The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe

regulations and issue orders to prohibit the willful tampering

with, or disabling of, any specified railroad safety or operational

monitoring device.

(b) Penalties. - (1) A railroad carrier operating a train on

which a safety or operational monitoring device is tampered with or

disabled in violation of a regulation prescribed or order issued

under subsection (a) of this section is liable to the United States

Government for a civil penalty under section 21301 of this title.

(2) An individual tampering with or disabling a safety or

operational monitoring device in violation of a regulation

prescribed or order issued under subsection (a) of this section, or

knowingly operating or allowing to be operated a train on which

such a device has been tampered with or disabled, is liable for

penalties established by the Secretary. The penalties may include -

(A) a civil penalty under section 21301 of this title;

(B) suspension from work; and

(C) suspension or loss of a license or certification issued

under section 20135 of this title.