BNSF MAINTENANCE OF WAY
OPERATING RULES EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
1. When a roadway worker is ‘fouling the track’, what is the minimum distance they must be
from the near rail to be considered at risk of being struck by moving equipment?
A. 10 feet
B. 25 feet
C. 2 feet
D. 4 feet
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fouling the track is defined as being within 4 feet of the near rail
or in a position where the worker could be struck by moving equipment.
2. According to the MWOR, before entering the limits of a Form B, what must the employee
in charge of the movement do?
A. Proceed at restricted speed without communication if no workers are visible.
B. Contact the Employee In Charge (EIC) and receive instructions/permission.
C. Obtain permission from the dispatcher only.
,D. Sound the whistle continuously until through the limits.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Movement through Form B limits requires direct
communication and specific permission/instructions from the EIC named in the track
bulletin.
3. What is the maximum speed allowed for a Hy-rail vehicle when passing through a turnout
or crossover?
A. 10 MPH
B. 5 MPH
C. 15 MPH
D. 20 MPH
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: MWOR rules generally restrict Hy-rail vehicles to 5 MPH when
traversing turnouts or crossovers to prevent derailment.
4. Under Track Occupancy Authority (TOA), if the dispatcher authorizes ‘joint occupancy’,
what must the EICs involved do?
A. Maintain at least 1 mile of separation at all times.
B. Communicate with each other to coordinate movements and safety.
C. One EIC must surrender their authority to the other.
, D. Move at maximum authorized speed to clear the limits quickly.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Joint occupancy requires coordination between all parties
authorized to be within the same limits to ensure no conflicting movements occur.
5. When performing maintenance on a switch, the switch must be:
A. Left in the position it was found.
B. Oiled while the train is passing over it.
C. Spiked or secured with an effective locking device if the point is not fit for service.
D. Kept in the reverse position for better visibility.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety rules require switches to be secured if they are being
worked on or if the points do not fit properly against the rail.
6. A red flag or red light displayed on a track signifies:
A. Proceed at restricted speed.
B. Track is clear for 10 miles.
C. Stop immediately and do not pass until authorized by the EIC.
D. Caution, men working 2 miles ahead.
Answer: C
OPERATING RULES EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
1. When a roadway worker is ‘fouling the track’, what is the minimum distance they must be
from the near rail to be considered at risk of being struck by moving equipment?
A. 10 feet
B. 25 feet
C. 2 feet
D. 4 feet
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fouling the track is defined as being within 4 feet of the near rail
or in a position where the worker could be struck by moving equipment.
2. According to the MWOR, before entering the limits of a Form B, what must the employee
in charge of the movement do?
A. Proceed at restricted speed without communication if no workers are visible.
B. Contact the Employee In Charge (EIC) and receive instructions/permission.
C. Obtain permission from the dispatcher only.
,D. Sound the whistle continuously until through the limits.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Movement through Form B limits requires direct
communication and specific permission/instructions from the EIC named in the track
bulletin.
3. What is the maximum speed allowed for a Hy-rail vehicle when passing through a turnout
or crossover?
A. 10 MPH
B. 5 MPH
C. 15 MPH
D. 20 MPH
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: MWOR rules generally restrict Hy-rail vehicles to 5 MPH when
traversing turnouts or crossovers to prevent derailment.
4. Under Track Occupancy Authority (TOA), if the dispatcher authorizes ‘joint occupancy’,
what must the EICs involved do?
A. Maintain at least 1 mile of separation at all times.
B. Communicate with each other to coordinate movements and safety.
C. One EIC must surrender their authority to the other.
, D. Move at maximum authorized speed to clear the limits quickly.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Joint occupancy requires coordination between all parties
authorized to be within the same limits to ensure no conflicting movements occur.
5. When performing maintenance on a switch, the switch must be:
A. Left in the position it was found.
B. Oiled while the train is passing over it.
C. Spiked or secured with an effective locking device if the point is not fit for service.
D. Kept in the reverse position for better visibility.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety rules require switches to be secured if they are being
worked on or if the points do not fit properly against the rail.
6. A red flag or red light displayed on a track signifies:
A. Proceed at restricted speed.
B. Track is clear for 10 miles.
C. Stop immediately and do not pass until authorized by the EIC.
D. Caution, men working 2 miles ahead.
Answer: C
