§ 211.41 - Processing of petitions for waiver of safety rules.

§ 211.41 Processing of petitions for waiver of safety rules.

(a) General. Each petition for a permanent or temporary waiver of a safety rule, regulation or standard filed as prescribed in §§ 211.7 and 211.9, is referred to the Railroad Safety Board for decision and decided not later than 9 months after receipt.

(b) Notice and hearing. If required by statute or the Administrator or the Railroad Safety Board deems it desirable, a notice is published in the Federal Register, an opportunity for public comment is provided, and a hearing is held in accordance with § 211.25, before the petition is granted or denied.

(c) Grants. If the Railroad Safety Board determines that the petition complies with the requirements of § 211.9 and that a waiver is justified, it grants the petition. Conditions may be imposed on the grant of waiver if the Board concludes they are necessary to assure safety or are in the public interest.

(d) Denials. If the Railroad Safety Board determines that the petition does not comply with the requirements of § 211.9 or that a waiver is not justified, it denies the petition.

(e) Notification. Whenever the Railroad Safety Board grants or denies a petition, a notice of that grant or denial is sent to the petitioner. When a petition has been decided, interested persons are also notified or a notice is published in the Federal Register.

(f) Petition for reconsideration. Any person may petition for reconsideration of the grant or denial of a waiver under procedures set forth in § 211.57. Each petition shall be processed in accordance with § 211.59.