Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 02, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
The operator of a railroad shall notify the Board by telephoning the National Response Center at telephone 800–424–0201 at the earliest practicable time after the occurrence of any one of the following railroad accidents:
(a) No later than 2 hours after an accident which results in:
(1) A passenger or employee fatality or serious injury to two or more crewmembers or passengers requiring admission to a hospital;
(2) The evacuation of a passenger train;
(3) Damage to a tank car or container resulting in release of hazardous materials or involving evacuation of the general public; or
(4) A fatality at a grade crossing.
(b) No later than 4 hours after an accident which does not involve any of the circumstances enumerated in paragraph (a) of this section but which results in:
(1) Damage (based on a preliminary gross estimate) of $150,000 or more for repairs, or the current replacement cost, to railroad and nonrailroad property; or
(2) Damage of $25,000 or more to a passenger train and railroad and nonrailroad property.
(c) Accidents involving joint operations must be reported by the railroad that controls the track and directs the movement of trains where the accident has occurred.
(d) Where an accident for which notification is required by paragraph (a) or (b) of this section occurs in a remote area, the time limits set forth in that paragraph shall commence from the time the first railroad employee who was not at the accident site at the time of its occurrence has received notice thereof.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Code of Federal Regulations Title 49. Transportation § 49.840.3 Notification of railroad accidents - last updated January 02, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/cfr/title-49-transportation/cfr-sect-49-840-3/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)