Ind. Code ch. 8-8-7

in effect

Ind. Code § 8-8-7-1 Scope of law

Sec. 1. The provisions of this chapter apply to any corporation or to any person or persons while engaged as common carriers in the transportation by railroad of passengers or property within this state to which the regulative power of this state extends. Formerly: Acts 1911, c.60, s.1. As amended by P.L.384-1987(ss), SEC.81.

Ind. Code § 8-8-7-2 Plans and specifications; equipment

Sec. 2. From and after June 1, 1914, it shall be unlawful, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, for any such common carrier by railroad to use on its line any caboose car, or other car used for like purposes, unless such caboose or other car shall be at least twenty-four (24) feet in length exclusive of the platform and equipped with two (2) four-wheel trucks and said caboose car or other car shall be of constructive strength equal to that of sixty thousand (60,000) pounds capacity freight cars, and shall be provided with a door in each end thereof and an outside platform across each end of said car. Each platform shall not be less than twenty-four (24) inches in width and shall be equipped with proper guard rails and with grab-irons and steps for the safety of persons getting on and off said car. Said steps shall be equipped with a suitable rod, board, or other guard at each end and at the back thereof properly designed to prevent slipping from said step. Said caboose shall have necessary cupola or bay window, closets, and windows. Formerly: Acts 1911, c.60, s.2; Acts 1939, c.129, s.1. As amended by P.L.62-1984, SEC.119.

Ind. Code § 8-8-7-3 Repairs; return to service

Sec. 3. Whenever any such caboose cars or other cars in use on April 21, 1911, by such common carriers as provided by section 1 of this chapter shall, after April 21, 1911, be brought into any shop for general repairs, it shall be unlawful to again put the same into the service of such common carrier within this state unless it be equipped as provided in section 2 of this chapter. Formerly: Acts 1911, c.60, s.3. As amended by P.L.62-1984, SEC.120.

Ind. Code § 8-8-7-4 Operations excepted from law

Sec. 4. This chapter does not apply to the use of caboose cars operated in yards and in transfer service. In case of unusual and unforeseen demands of traffic, caboose cars not constructed in compliance with this chapter may be used temporarily, provided that the railroad company desiring to use the caboose cars apply to and obtain an order from the Indiana department of transportation granting the privilege to temporarily use the same. Formerly: Acts 1911, c.60, s.4. As amended by P.L.62-1984, SEC.121; P.L.384-1987(ss), SEC.82; P.L.18-1990, SEC.91.

Ind. Code § 8-8-7-5 Maximum height

Sec. 5. The Indiana department of transportation may limit or prescribe the maximum height of a caboose to be used upon any railroad operating in or through the state, and the department may grant to a common carrier, upon full hearing and for good cause shown, a reasonable extension of time in which to comply with this chapter. An extension may not exceed a period of one (1) year from the time for compliance with this chapter. Formerly: Acts 1911, c.60, s.5. As amended by P.L.62-1984, SEC.122; P.L.384-1987(ss), SEC.83; P.L.18-1990, SEC.92.

Ind. Code § 8-8-7-6 Violations

Sec. 6. A common carrier that violates this chapter commits a Class C infraction. Formerly: Acts 1911, c.60, s.6. As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2, SEC.829.

Ind. Code § 8-8-7-7 Investigation, safety, and efficiency factors

Sec. 7. The Indiana department of transportation shall investigate the conditions and efficiency of cabooses in use on the railroads in this state, and, if found upon investigation, that it is impossible for a railroad company to comply with sections 2 through 6 of this chapter, the department may grant to the company the right to construct a caboose which, in their judgment, will be safe and convenient for the employees and traveling public. The department may not grant the permission of any railroad company for constructing a caboose that has less than two (2) four-wheel trucks. Formerly: Acts 1911, c.60, s.7. As amended by P.L.384-1987(ss), SEC.84; P.L.18-1990, SEC.93.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/8Fetched: 10/17/2026