49 CFR § 220.38 - Communication equipment failure.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t49/s220.38"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "49 CFR § 220.38 - Communication equipment failure."
title_number: 49
title_name: "Transportation"
section_number: "220.38"
section_name: "Communication equipment failure."
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"
---


# 220.38 Communication equipment failure.

(a) Any radio or wireless communication device found not to be functioning as intended when tested pursuant to § 220.37 shall be removed from service and the dispatcher or other employee designated by the railroad shall be so notified as soon as practicable.

(b) If a radio or wireless communication device fails on the controlling locomotive en route, the train may continue until the earlier of—

(1) The next calendar day inspection, or

(2) The nearest forward point where the radio or wireless communication device can be repaired or replaced.