49 CFR § 220.311 - Railroad operating employees in deadhead status.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t49/s220.311"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "49 CFR § 220.311 - Railroad operating employees in deadhead status."
title_number: 49
title_name: "Transportation"
section_number: "220.311"
section_name: "Railroad operating employees in deadhead status."
chapter_name: "FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
part_number: "220"
part_name: "RAILROAD COMMUNICATIONS"
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. 20102-20103, 20103 note, 20107, 21301-21302, 20701-20703, 21304, 21311; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89."
regulatory_source: "63 FR 47195, Sept. 4, 1998, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "220"
---


# 220.311 Railroad operating employees in deadhead status.

(a) Notwithstanding any other restrictions in this subpart, a railroad operating employee who is in deadhead status and not inside the cab of a controlling locomotive may use an electronic device only if the employee is not using the device in such a way that interferes with any railroad operating employee's personal safety or performance of safety-related duties.

(b) A railroad operating employee who is in deadhead status and located inside the cab of a controlling locomotive must have each electronic device turned off with any earpiece removed from the ear—

(1) When on a moving train;

(2) When any member of the crew is—

(i) On the ground, or

(ii) Riding rolling equipment during a switching operation; or

(3) When any railroad employee is assisting in preparation of the train for movement.