PUBLIC LAW 103-272—JULY 5, 1994 108 STAT. 883 defective, insecure, or not maintained in compliance with this chapter. § 20304. Assumption of risk by employees An employee of a railroad carrier injured by a vehicle or train used in violation of section 20302(a)(1)(A), (2), (4), or (5)(A) of this title does not assume the risk of injury resulting from the violation, even if the employee continues to be employed by the carrier after learning of the violation. § 20305. Inspection of mail cars The Secretary of Transportation shall inspect the construction, adaptability, design, and condition of mail cars used on railroads in the United States. The Secretary shall make a report on the Reports, inspection and submit a copy of the report to the United States Postal Service. § 20306. Exemption for technological improvements (a) GENERAL.—Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary of Transportation may exempt from the requirements of this chapter railroad equipment or equipment that will be operated on rails, when those requirements preclude the development or implementation of more efficient railroad transportation equipment or other transportation innovations under existing law. (b) CONDITIONS FOR EXEMPTION. — The Secretary may grant an exemption under subsection (a) of this section only on the basis of— (1) findings based on evidence developed at a hearing; or (2) an agreement between national railroad labor representatives and the developer of the new equipment or technology. CHAPTER 205—SIGNAL SYSTEMS Sec. 20501. Definition. 20502. Requirements for installation and use. 20503. Amending regulations and changing requirements. 20504. Inspection, testing, and investigation. 20505. Reports of malfunctions and accidents. §20501. DeHnition In this chapter, "signal system" means a block signal system, an interlocking, automatic train stop, train control, or cab-signal device, or a similar appliance, method, device, or system intended to promote safety in railroad operations. § 20502. Requirements for installation and use (a) INSTALLATION. —(1) When the Secretary of Transportation decides after an investigation that it is necessary in the public interest, the Secretary may order a railroad carrier to install, on any part of its railroad line, a signal system that complies with requirements of the Secretary. The order must allow the carrier a reasonable time to complete the installation. A carrier may discontinue or materially alter a signal system required under this paragraph only with the approval of the Secretary. (2) A railroad carrier ordered under paragraph (1) of this subsection to install a signal system on one part of its railroad line may not be held negligent for not installing the system on any
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