49 U.S.C. § 20137 — Event recorders

(a) Definition. In this section, an 'event recorder' is a device that (1) records train speed, hot box detection, throttle position, brake application, brake operations, and anything else the Secretary of Transportation decides is needed to monitor safe train operation, such as time and signal indication; and (2) is built to resist tampering. (b) Regulations and Orders. By December 22, 1989, the Secretary had to issue rules and orders, as needed, to improve safety by requiring trains to carry an event recorder. Trains had to be equipped within one year after those rules and orders were issued. If the Secretary found that deadline impossible to meet, the Secretary could push it back, but not later than 18 months after the rules and orders were issued.