Wisconsin Administrative Code
Office of the Commissioner of Railroads
Chapter RR 2 - Railroads
Section RR 2.17 - Motor vehicles-general

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง RR 2.17

Current through February 26, 2024

(1) Section RR 2.17 prescribes minimum standards for the transportation of employes by motor vehicles to and from their places of employment and during the course of their employment and shall be observed by all railroads in their operations within the state of Wisconsin.

(2) The intent of the rules will be realized a) by applying the rules in full to all new motor vehicles and related items or equipment when placed in service, b) by applying all except s. RR 2.18(1), (2), (3), (5), and (6) to existing vehicles, c) by applying all rules where there is major reconstruction of the vehicles and to those parts used as replacements in the partial reconstruction of a vehicle, d) these regulations shall not apply to taxicabs or other vehicles licensed by competent authority to transport the public, and used by a railroad to transport its employes.

(3) All motor vehicles and related items or equipment shall be designed for use in the manner contemplated in these rules.

(4) Motor vehicles and related items or equipment shall be cleaned when necessary and inspected at such intervals as experience has shown to be necessary. Any motor vehicle or related items or equipment found or known to be defective so as to endanger life or property shall be promptly repaired or taken out of service until repairs can be made. Repairs shall be made by competent persons. Compartments for employes shall be kept in a reasonably clean and sanitary condition, and employes shall cooperate in maintaining such conditions.

(5) It is recognized that these regulations cannot cover all contingencies, and accordingly the office may, on application or on its own motion, modify, grant exceptions to, or prescribe higher standards than the rules contained in this chapter.

(6) In times of emergency, if approved vehicles are not available, vehicles not complying with these regulations may be used. An emergency shall be considered as existing when rail traffic has been stopped or disrupted (or where there is a threat of stoppage or disruption) because of derailment, accident, disastrous storm, fire, flood or other similar condition. Ordinarily weather conditions including usual storms especially in winter shall not be considered to call for emergency operation.

(7) As used in these rules, unless the context requires otherwise:

(a) "Employe" means an individual employed for any period in any work for which he is compensated by a rail common carrier.

(b) "Employer" means a railroad common carrier who employs one or more employes.

(c) "Heating facilities" means a hot water radiator type system, or any other generally acceptable form of heating which does not emit nauseous fumes or gases into the vehicle.

(d) "Material" means all items that can be lawfully transported by motor vehicles.

(e) "Motor vehicle" means any vehicle which is self-propelled and designed primarily for highway use, and which may or may not be equipped with retractable flange wheels for operation on railroad tracks.

(f) "Rear compartment" means a crew cab which may be a continuation of the driver's cab, providing additional seating facilities, or an auxiliary cab located directly behind the driver's cab.

(g) "Seating facilities" means seats provided for workers other than the driver.

(h) "Tools" means hand or power-driven instruments and machines used in the efficient prosecution of a trade or calling.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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