49 CFR § 209.325 - Finality of decision.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t49/s209.325"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "49 CFR § 209.325 - Finality of decision."
title_number: 49
title_name: "Transportation"
section_number: "209.325"
section_name: "Finality of decision."
chapter_name: "FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
part_number: "209"
part_name: "RAILROAD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "49 U.S.C. 5123, 5124, 20103, 20107, 20111, 20112, 20114; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89."
regulatory_source: "42 FR 56742, Oct. 28, 1977, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "209"
---


# 209.325 Finality of decision.

(a) The initial decision of the presiding officer shall become final 35 days after issuance. Such decisions are not precedent.

(b) *Exception.* The initial decision shall not become final if, within 35 days after issuance of the decision, any party files an appeal under § 209.327. The timely filing of such an appeal shall stay the order in the initial decision.