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NORAC Rules Questions and Correct
Answers
What is the Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)? Ans: A block
signal system in which the use of each block is governed by an
automatic block signal, cab signal, or both.
What is a Return Movement? Ans: The movement of an uncoupled
engine (or engines) or leading portion of a train, directed back
toward the remaining stationary portion of the same train.
What is s a Distant Signal Ans: A fixed signal used to govern the
approach of a train to a home signal.
What is a Home Signal Ans: A fixed signal governing entrance to
an interlocking or controlled point.
What is a Main Track Ans: A track designated by Timetable upon
which train movements are authorized by ABS, DCS, or
interlocking rules
What is a Bulletin Order (BO) Ans: A publication used to notify
employees of changes to rules. procedures, or other instructions
affecting the movement of trains. Bulletin Orders are issued
periodically by the designated officer
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What is a General Order (GO) Ans: A publication used to
summarize changes to the Timetable and other instruction
manuals. General Orders contain revision pages for the Timetable
and are issued periodically by the designated officer.
What is a Division Notice (DN) Ans: A publication issued
periodically by the designated officer, (
which contains instructions or information which do not affect the
movement of
trains.
What is Medium Speed Ans: Not exceeding 30 MPH
What is Limited Speed Ans: : For passenger trains, not exceeding
45 MPH; for freight trains, not exceeding 40 MPH
What is Slow Speed Ans: Not exceeding 15 MPH
What is Normal Speed Ans: The maximum authorized speed
What activities are prohibited in regards to alcoholic beverages or
intoxicants? (G) Ans: 1. Using alcoholic beverages or intoxicants,
having them in their possession, or being under their influence.
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2. Using or being under the influence of any drug, medication, or
other controlled substance - including prescription and/or over-
the-counter medication - that will in any way adversely affect their
alertness, coordination , reaction, response or safety. Employees
having questions about possible adverse effects of prescribed
medication must consult a Company medical officer before
reporting for duty.
3. Illegally possessing or selling a drug, narcotic or other
controlled substance. An employee may be required to take a
breath test and/or provide a urine sample
, if the Company reasonably suspects violation of this rule. Refusal
to comply with
this requirement will be considered a violation of this rule and the
employee will be
promptly removed from service.
When are prescription drugs or Over-The-Counter (OTC)
medications allowed to be used by employees while on duty or on
company property? Ans: none
What is the hand, lantern or flag signal to Reduce Speed Ans: Held
horizontally at arm's length
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What is the hand, lantern or flag signal to Apply Air Brakes Ans:
Swung horizontally above the head, when train is standing.
What is the hand, lantern or flag signal to Release Air Brakes Ans:
Held at arm's length above the head, when train is standing.
What is required when a train encounters an unattended fusee,
burning on or near its track Ans: If a train on a main track or
controlled siding encounters an unattended fusee burning on a
main track or controlled siding, or on a track next to a main track
or controlled siding, it must stop. It must then proceed at
Restricted Speed until the head end is 1 mile beyond the fusee.
Once a Blue Signal (flag) has been displayed, who may remove it
Ans: 4. Only a person of the same group or craft that displayed
the signals may remove it, after all the workmen are clear
What whistle signal must be sounded when approaching and
passing roadway workers or equipment on or near the track? Ans:
-o
Indication: Approaching Roadway Workers or their equipment on
or near the track, regardless of any whistle prohibitions. After this
initial warning, sound two short whistle signals intermittently until
© 2025 All rights reserved
NORAC Rules Questions and Correct
Answers
What is the Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)? Ans: A block
signal system in which the use of each block is governed by an
automatic block signal, cab signal, or both.
What is a Return Movement? Ans: The movement of an uncoupled
engine (or engines) or leading portion of a train, directed back
toward the remaining stationary portion of the same train.
What is s a Distant Signal Ans: A fixed signal used to govern the
approach of a train to a home signal.
What is a Home Signal Ans: A fixed signal governing entrance to
an interlocking or controlled point.
What is a Main Track Ans: A track designated by Timetable upon
which train movements are authorized by ABS, DCS, or
interlocking rules
What is a Bulletin Order (BO) Ans: A publication used to notify
employees of changes to rules. procedures, or other instructions
affecting the movement of trains. Bulletin Orders are issued
periodically by the designated officer
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
What is a General Order (GO) Ans: A publication used to
summarize changes to the Timetable and other instruction
manuals. General Orders contain revision pages for the Timetable
and are issued periodically by the designated officer.
What is a Division Notice (DN) Ans: A publication issued
periodically by the designated officer, (
which contains instructions or information which do not affect the
movement of
trains.
What is Medium Speed Ans: Not exceeding 30 MPH
What is Limited Speed Ans: : For passenger trains, not exceeding
45 MPH; for freight trains, not exceeding 40 MPH
What is Slow Speed Ans: Not exceeding 15 MPH
What is Normal Speed Ans: The maximum authorized speed
What activities are prohibited in regards to alcoholic beverages or
intoxicants? (G) Ans: 1. Using alcoholic beverages or intoxicants,
having them in their possession, or being under their influence.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 3 | Page
2. Using or being under the influence of any drug, medication, or
other controlled substance - including prescription and/or over-
the-counter medication - that will in any way adversely affect their
alertness, coordination , reaction, response or safety. Employees
having questions about possible adverse effects of prescribed
medication must consult a Company medical officer before
reporting for duty.
3. Illegally possessing or selling a drug, narcotic or other
controlled substance. An employee may be required to take a
breath test and/or provide a urine sample
, if the Company reasonably suspects violation of this rule. Refusal
to comply with
this requirement will be considered a violation of this rule and the
employee will be
promptly removed from service.
When are prescription drugs or Over-The-Counter (OTC)
medications allowed to be used by employees while on duty or on
company property? Ans: none
What is the hand, lantern or flag signal to Reduce Speed Ans: Held
horizontally at arm's length
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, 4 | Page
What is the hand, lantern or flag signal to Apply Air Brakes Ans:
Swung horizontally above the head, when train is standing.
What is the hand, lantern or flag signal to Release Air Brakes Ans:
Held at arm's length above the head, when train is standing.
What is required when a train encounters an unattended fusee,
burning on or near its track Ans: If a train on a main track or
controlled siding encounters an unattended fusee burning on a
main track or controlled siding, or on a track next to a main track
or controlled siding, it must stop. It must then proceed at
Restricted Speed until the head end is 1 mile beyond the fusee.
Once a Blue Signal (flag) has been displayed, who may remove it
Ans: 4. Only a person of the same group or craft that displayed
the signals may remove it, after all the workmen are clear
What whistle signal must be sounded when approaching and
passing roadway workers or equipment on or near the track? Ans:
-o
Indication: Approaching Roadway Workers or their equipment on
or near the track, regardless of any whistle prohibitions. After this
initial warning, sound two short whistle signals intermittently until
© 2025 All rights reserved
