InstituteFleet SafetyHours of ServiceHours of ServiceIn Depth Sub Topics (Level 4)Focus AreaEnglishAnalysisTransportationUSA
Railroad signal employee HOS exemption
['Hours of Service']

- The HOS regulations do not apply to a railroad signal employee operating a CMV and working on signal systems on behalf of a railroad carrier regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration.
Railroad signal employees who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and are engaged in installing, repairing, or maintaining signal systems are exempt from the federal hours-of-service (HOS) rules in Part 395. The exemption applies only while the railroad signal employee is employed by a railroad carrier — or is a contractor or subcontractor to a railroad carrier — and is regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration. (395.1(r))
Federal definition
A “signal employee” means an individual who is engaged in installing, repairing, or maintaining signal systems. (49 U.S.C. 21101(4)).