BNSF CONDUCTOR STUDY GUIDE 2026
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTION SET WITH
ANSWERS
◉ Rule 5.13B Blue Signal Protection of Workmen (Other Than Main
Track 2)
Answer: A derail capable of restricting access to the track where
work will occur must be locked in derailing position with an
effective locking device and:
a. Positioned at least 150 feet from the rolling equipment to be
protected.
or
b. Positioned at least 50 feet from the end of rolling equipment on a
designated engine servicing track or car shop repair track where
speed is limited to not more than 5 MPH. A blue signal must be
displayed at each derail.
BNSF Amendment—Add the following:
Use the following sequence when applying blue signal protection:
a. Lock the derail in the derailing position
b. Display blue signal at the derail and;
c. If the rolling equipment to be protected includes one or more
locomotives, a blue signal must be displayed on the controlling
locomotive(s).
,Use the following sequence when removing blue signal protection:
a. Remove blue signal from locomotive(s), if applied (remove any
blue signal inside the cab before removing the blue signal visible
from the outside on the engineer's side of the locomotive)
b. Remove the blue signal at the derail
c. Remove the effective locking device from the derail and ensure
derail is in the proper position.
◉ Rule 5.13C Blue Signal Readily Visible to Engineer
Answer: In addition to providing protection as required in "On a
Main Track" and "On Other than a Main Track," when workmen are
on, under, or between an engine or rolling equipment coupled to an
engine:
1. A blue signal must be attached to the controlling engine and be
visible to the engineer or employee controlling the engine.
2. Engines equipped for remote control operations must be in
manual.
3. The engine must not be moved. The controls must not be changed
unless directed by individuals who placed the blue signal protection.
◉ Rule 5.15 Improperly Displayed Signals
Answer: If a signal is improperly displayed, or a signal, flag, or sign is
absent from the place it is usually shown, regard the signal as
displaying the most restrictive indication it can give. However, if a
semaphore arm is visible, it will govern.
,Promptly report improperly displayed signals or absent fixed
signals, flags, or signs to the train dispatcher.
◉ Rule 9.4 Improperly Displayed Signals or Absent Lights
Answer: Except as shown in block, cab, and interlocking signal
aspects in the special instructions, if a light is absent, a white light is
displayed where a colored or lunar light should be, or additional
colored or lunar lights are displayed, regard a block or interlocking
signal as displaying the most restrictive indication it can give.
However, when the semaphore arm position is plainly seen, that
aspect will govern.
◉ Rule 6.4 Reverse Movements
Answer: Make reverse movements on any main track, controlled
siding, or on any track where a block system is in effect at restricted
speed and only within the limits a train has authority to occupy the
track.
◉ Rule 6.4.1 Permission for Reverse Movements
Answer: Obtain permission from the train dispatcher or control
operator before making a reverse movement, unless the movement
is within the same signaled block.
When a train or engine is advised that working limits have been
established behind their train, obtain permission from the employee
in charge to make any reverse movements, including within the
same signaled block.
, ◉ Rule 6.5 Shoving Movements 1
Answer: BNSF Amendment—Entire rule is changed to read:
Cars or engines must not be shoved until the engineer knows who is
protecting the movement and how protection will be provided. The
employee providing protection for the movement shall not engage in
any task unrelated to the movement.
When cars or engines are shoved, crew member must be in position
and provide visual protection unless relieved by:
• Local instructions for tracks equipped with shove lights/cameras.
• Special instructions specific to tracks involved.
• Rule 6.6 (Back Up Movements).
• Pullout move within an activated Remote Control Zone (RCZ).
Minimum requirements when radio communication is used during
shoving movements:
• Direction will be described in relationship to the front of the
controlling locomotive (F stencil).
• To instruct the engineer to move the locomotive forward use
"ahead".
• To instruct the engineer to move the locomotive backward use
"backup".
• To instruct the engineer to stop, use the word "stop".
• Communicate distance using 50 feet as a standard for one car
length.
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTION SET WITH
ANSWERS
◉ Rule 5.13B Blue Signal Protection of Workmen (Other Than Main
Track 2)
Answer: A derail capable of restricting access to the track where
work will occur must be locked in derailing position with an
effective locking device and:
a. Positioned at least 150 feet from the rolling equipment to be
protected.
or
b. Positioned at least 50 feet from the end of rolling equipment on a
designated engine servicing track or car shop repair track where
speed is limited to not more than 5 MPH. A blue signal must be
displayed at each derail.
BNSF Amendment—Add the following:
Use the following sequence when applying blue signal protection:
a. Lock the derail in the derailing position
b. Display blue signal at the derail and;
c. If the rolling equipment to be protected includes one or more
locomotives, a blue signal must be displayed on the controlling
locomotive(s).
,Use the following sequence when removing blue signal protection:
a. Remove blue signal from locomotive(s), if applied (remove any
blue signal inside the cab before removing the blue signal visible
from the outside on the engineer's side of the locomotive)
b. Remove the blue signal at the derail
c. Remove the effective locking device from the derail and ensure
derail is in the proper position.
◉ Rule 5.13C Blue Signal Readily Visible to Engineer
Answer: In addition to providing protection as required in "On a
Main Track" and "On Other than a Main Track," when workmen are
on, under, or between an engine or rolling equipment coupled to an
engine:
1. A blue signal must be attached to the controlling engine and be
visible to the engineer or employee controlling the engine.
2. Engines equipped for remote control operations must be in
manual.
3. The engine must not be moved. The controls must not be changed
unless directed by individuals who placed the blue signal protection.
◉ Rule 5.15 Improperly Displayed Signals
Answer: If a signal is improperly displayed, or a signal, flag, or sign is
absent from the place it is usually shown, regard the signal as
displaying the most restrictive indication it can give. However, if a
semaphore arm is visible, it will govern.
,Promptly report improperly displayed signals or absent fixed
signals, flags, or signs to the train dispatcher.
◉ Rule 9.4 Improperly Displayed Signals or Absent Lights
Answer: Except as shown in block, cab, and interlocking signal
aspects in the special instructions, if a light is absent, a white light is
displayed where a colored or lunar light should be, or additional
colored or lunar lights are displayed, regard a block or interlocking
signal as displaying the most restrictive indication it can give.
However, when the semaphore arm position is plainly seen, that
aspect will govern.
◉ Rule 6.4 Reverse Movements
Answer: Make reverse movements on any main track, controlled
siding, or on any track where a block system is in effect at restricted
speed and only within the limits a train has authority to occupy the
track.
◉ Rule 6.4.1 Permission for Reverse Movements
Answer: Obtain permission from the train dispatcher or control
operator before making a reverse movement, unless the movement
is within the same signaled block.
When a train or engine is advised that working limits have been
established behind their train, obtain permission from the employee
in charge to make any reverse movements, including within the
same signaled block.
, ◉ Rule 6.5 Shoving Movements 1
Answer: BNSF Amendment—Entire rule is changed to read:
Cars or engines must not be shoved until the engineer knows who is
protecting the movement and how protection will be provided. The
employee providing protection for the movement shall not engage in
any task unrelated to the movement.
When cars or engines are shoved, crew member must be in position
and provide visual protection unless relieved by:
• Local instructions for tracks equipped with shove lights/cameras.
• Special instructions specific to tracks involved.
• Rule 6.6 (Back Up Movements).
• Pullout move within an activated Remote Control Zone (RCZ).
Minimum requirements when radio communication is used during
shoving movements:
• Direction will be described in relationship to the front of the
controlling locomotive (F stencil).
• To instruct the engineer to move the locomotive forward use
"ahead".
• To instruct the engineer to move the locomotive backward use
"backup".
• To instruct the engineer to stop, use the word "stop".
• Communicate distance using 50 feet as a standard for one car
length.
