Railroad Operating Rules: Signal Indications and Movement Procedures

Railroad Operating Procedures and Signal Compliance

Green Flag or Yellow Flag Clearance

Proceed after a green flag or traveling 4 miles beyond the yellow flag, provided the Train Dispatcher (TD) has verified that no Temporary Block (TB) or Temporary Restriction (TW) is in effect specifying a temporary speed restriction at that location.

Display of Red Flag or Red Light

Red Flag Display: A red flag indicates where trains must stop. When approaching a red flag or red light, the train must stop short of it and not proceed unless the employee in charge gives instructions, including the milepost (MP) location of the red flag/light.

Headlight Failure Protocol

Headlight Failure: If the train's headlight fails, ditch lights must be activated, if so equipped. Headlight failure must be reported to the TD. At night, if both the headlight and ditch lights fail and no other unit can serve as the lead unit, continue movement displaying a white light on the lead unit.

Engine Identifying Number Reporting

Engine Identification: Report by initials and engine number, adding direction when required. When practical, use the leading unit if two or more engines are coupled.

Blue Signal Protection Requirements

Blue Signal Protection: Signifies workmen are on, under, or between rolling equipment and requires that:

• Rolling equipment must not be coupled to or moved, except as provided in “Movement in Engine Servicing Area” and “Movement in Car Shop Repair Area” of this rule.
• Rolling equipment must not enter a track when a blue signal is displayed at the entrance to that track.

Blue signals may be removed only by the craft or group who placed them.

Improperly Displayed Signals

If a signal is displayed improperly, or if a signal, flag, or sign is absent from its usual location, regard the signal as displaying the most restrictive indication it can give. However, if a semaphore arm is visible, that arm indication will govern the movement.

Initiating Movement on Main Track

Before initiating movement on a main track, a crew member must:

1. Receive a TW (Temporary Restriction) authorization, OR
2. Determine from the TD or yardmaster if any TBs (Temporary Blocks) are needed.

Main Track Authorization

Do Not occupy main tracks unless authorized by one of the following:

• Rule 6.13 (Yard Limits)
• Rule 6.14 (Restricted Limits)
• Rule 10.1 (Authority to Enter CTC limits)
• Rule 14.1 (Authority to Enter TWC Limits)

Written authorities that are no longer in effect must be retained until the end of the tour of duty, unless otherwise instructed by the TD.

Reverse Movements

OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE TD FOR ALL REVERSE MOVEMENTS.

Movements within Control Points (Automatic Interlocking)

At an automatic interlocking, the movement may change direction within the limits of the interlocking if it continuously occupies at least one car length of the limits.