NORAC OPERATING RULES & SIGNALS EXAM READY - VERIFIED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - COMPREHENSIVE LATEST VERSION
2026/2027
What is the primary obligation of every employee under NORAC Rule
Q1
1.1?
Every employee is required to know and comply with the rules and must
ANS report for duty at the designated time and place, be mentally and physically fit,
and have all required equipment.
Under NORAC rules, who has authority to suspend or modify operating
Q2
rules?
Only designated officers of the railroad have authority to suspend or modify
ANS operating rules for specific situations, and such authority must be properly
granted in writing.
What must an employee do if they are in doubt about the meaning of any
Q3
rule?
When in doubt about the meaning of a rule, an employee must take the safe
ANS course and immediately seek clarification from a supervisor or dispatcher
before proceeding.
Q4 Define a 'train' under NORAC rules.
A train is an engine or more than one engine coupled, with or without cars,
ANS displaying a marker. An engine is a self-propelled unit of equipment with prime
mover used for moving cars or trains.
Q5 What is a 'light engine' under NORAC?
A light engine is one or more locomotives moving without cars attached, also
ANS
referred to as running light.
Q6 What constitutes an 'extra train' under NORAC?
An extra train is any train that does not have a schedule — i.e., it is not listed
ANS in the timetable — and must operate under train orders, track warrants, or
other authority.
Page 1 of 47
,Q7 What is the definition of 'main track' per NORAC?
A main track is a track designated in the timetable as a main track upon which
ANS trains are operated by timetable, train order, or other authority, and which may
not be occupied without proper authority.
Q8 Define 'siding' under NORAC rules.
A siding is a track adjacent to the main track used for meeting, passing, or
ANS
storing of trains, and has defined limits bounded by switch points.
Q9 What is a 'controlled siding'?
A controlled siding is a siding whose switches are remotely operated by a
ANS dispatcher or signal system and is protected by signals or dispatcher
authority.
Q10 What does NORAC require employees to do when reporting for duty?
Employees must report for duty in proper uniform, mentally and physically fit,
ANS with all required tools, equipment, and rule books, and must not be impaired
by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
Q11 What is 'restricted speed' under NORAC?
Restricted speed means a speed that allows stopping within half the range of
ANS vision, not exceeding 15 mph, and looking out for broken rail, switches not
properly lined, and obstructions.
Q12 Define 'approach speed' under NORAC.
Approach speed is a speed that allows stopping at the next signal, not
ANS exceeding 30 mph, used when a signal indicates caution and the engineer
must be prepared to stop at the next signal.
Q13 What is 'medium speed' under NORAC?
Medium speed is a speed not exceeding 30 mph, typically used when
ANS conditions require reduced speed but not the extreme caution of restricted
speed.
Q14 What is 'slow speed' under NORAC?
Slow speed is a speed not exceeding 15 mph, used in situations requiring
ANS
reduced speed such as entering yard limits or passing certain signals.
Page 2 of 47
,Q15 What is 'normal speed' under NORAC?
Normal speed is the maximum authorized speed as indicated in the timetable,
ANS special instructions, or speed orders, and is subject to all applicable speed
restrictions.
Q16 When does a timetable schedule take effect?
A timetable schedule takes effect upon the moment specified therein, and
ANS trains must operate in accordance with the schedule unless modified by train
orders, track warrants, or other proper authority.
Q17 What is meant by 'superiority of trains'?
Superiority of trains determines the right to use main track between scheduled
ANS trains; superiority is determined by direction (eastward/northward is superior)
and class as designated in the timetable.
Q18 Which direction is superior under NORAC timetable rules?
Eastward and northward trains have superiority over westward and southward
ANS
trains of the same class, unless the timetable designates otherwise.
Q19 What is 'class' of train and how does it affect operations?
Class of train refers to its priority level (first, second, third class, etc.) as
ANS designated in the timetable. Higher class trains have superiority over lower
class trains of the same direction.
Q20 Define 'yard limits' under NORAC.
Yard limits are designated areas, bounded by yard limit signs or as defined in
ANS the timetable, within which trains must operate at restricted speed and be
prepared to stop clear of switches and obstructions.
What action must a train take if it cannot make a timetable station on
Q21
time?
A train that cannot make a timetable meeting or passing point on time must
ANS take the siding or hold clear of the main track to protect the superior train
unless it has been relieved by proper authority.
Q22 What is a 'block' under NORAC signal rules?
Page 3 of 47
, A block is a section of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by
ANS
block signals, cab signals, track warrants, or other traffic control systems.
Q23 What is an 'absolute block'?
An absolute block is a block in which no train may enter while another train is
ANS occupying it or has authority to use it; it provides the highest level of track
occupancy protection.
Q24 What is an 'occupied block'?
An occupied block is one in which a train, engine, or on-track equipment is
ANS present, or for which authority has been given to a train but the block has not
been reported clear.
Q25 Who may authorize train movements on the main track?
Only the train dispatcher or other designated officer may authorize train
ANS movements on the main track, through issuance of track warrants, train
orders, or control of signal indications.
Q26 What does 'flag protection' mean under NORAC?
Flag protection means a member of the train crew goes back with a red flag
ANS (or fusees/torpedoes at night or in reduced visibility) to warn following trains of
a stalled or disabled train.
Q27 When must flag protection be established?
Flag protection must be established immediately when a train stops and is
ANS likely to be delayed, when the train is disabled, or whenever conditions may
endanger a following train. Crew must not wait for instructions.
Q28 What is a 'fusee'?
A fusee is a pyrotechnic signal device that burns bright red for a specified
ANS time; when placed on the rail, it warns a following train to slow to restricted
speed and stop if necessary.
What action must an engineer take upon encountering a burning fusee
Q29
on the track?
Upon sighting a burning fusee, the engineer must immediately reduce to
ANS restricted speed, be prepared to stop, and not pass the fusee until it has
burned out, unless otherwise authorized.
Page 4 of 47
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - COMPREHENSIVE LATEST VERSION
2026/2027
What is the primary obligation of every employee under NORAC Rule
Q1
1.1?
Every employee is required to know and comply with the rules and must
ANS report for duty at the designated time and place, be mentally and physically fit,
and have all required equipment.
Under NORAC rules, who has authority to suspend or modify operating
Q2
rules?
Only designated officers of the railroad have authority to suspend or modify
ANS operating rules for specific situations, and such authority must be properly
granted in writing.
What must an employee do if they are in doubt about the meaning of any
Q3
rule?
When in doubt about the meaning of a rule, an employee must take the safe
ANS course and immediately seek clarification from a supervisor or dispatcher
before proceeding.
Q4 Define a 'train' under NORAC rules.
A train is an engine or more than one engine coupled, with or without cars,
ANS displaying a marker. An engine is a self-propelled unit of equipment with prime
mover used for moving cars or trains.
Q5 What is a 'light engine' under NORAC?
A light engine is one or more locomotives moving without cars attached, also
ANS
referred to as running light.
Q6 What constitutes an 'extra train' under NORAC?
An extra train is any train that does not have a schedule — i.e., it is not listed
ANS in the timetable — and must operate under train orders, track warrants, or
other authority.
Page 1 of 47
,Q7 What is the definition of 'main track' per NORAC?
A main track is a track designated in the timetable as a main track upon which
ANS trains are operated by timetable, train order, or other authority, and which may
not be occupied without proper authority.
Q8 Define 'siding' under NORAC rules.
A siding is a track adjacent to the main track used for meeting, passing, or
ANS
storing of trains, and has defined limits bounded by switch points.
Q9 What is a 'controlled siding'?
A controlled siding is a siding whose switches are remotely operated by a
ANS dispatcher or signal system and is protected by signals or dispatcher
authority.
Q10 What does NORAC require employees to do when reporting for duty?
Employees must report for duty in proper uniform, mentally and physically fit,
ANS with all required tools, equipment, and rule books, and must not be impaired
by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
Q11 What is 'restricted speed' under NORAC?
Restricted speed means a speed that allows stopping within half the range of
ANS vision, not exceeding 15 mph, and looking out for broken rail, switches not
properly lined, and obstructions.
Q12 Define 'approach speed' under NORAC.
Approach speed is a speed that allows stopping at the next signal, not
ANS exceeding 30 mph, used when a signal indicates caution and the engineer
must be prepared to stop at the next signal.
Q13 What is 'medium speed' under NORAC?
Medium speed is a speed not exceeding 30 mph, typically used when
ANS conditions require reduced speed but not the extreme caution of restricted
speed.
Q14 What is 'slow speed' under NORAC?
Slow speed is a speed not exceeding 15 mph, used in situations requiring
ANS
reduced speed such as entering yard limits or passing certain signals.
Page 2 of 47
,Q15 What is 'normal speed' under NORAC?
Normal speed is the maximum authorized speed as indicated in the timetable,
ANS special instructions, or speed orders, and is subject to all applicable speed
restrictions.
Q16 When does a timetable schedule take effect?
A timetable schedule takes effect upon the moment specified therein, and
ANS trains must operate in accordance with the schedule unless modified by train
orders, track warrants, or other proper authority.
Q17 What is meant by 'superiority of trains'?
Superiority of trains determines the right to use main track between scheduled
ANS trains; superiority is determined by direction (eastward/northward is superior)
and class as designated in the timetable.
Q18 Which direction is superior under NORAC timetable rules?
Eastward and northward trains have superiority over westward and southward
ANS
trains of the same class, unless the timetable designates otherwise.
Q19 What is 'class' of train and how does it affect operations?
Class of train refers to its priority level (first, second, third class, etc.) as
ANS designated in the timetable. Higher class trains have superiority over lower
class trains of the same direction.
Q20 Define 'yard limits' under NORAC.
Yard limits are designated areas, bounded by yard limit signs or as defined in
ANS the timetable, within which trains must operate at restricted speed and be
prepared to stop clear of switches and obstructions.
What action must a train take if it cannot make a timetable station on
Q21
time?
A train that cannot make a timetable meeting or passing point on time must
ANS take the siding or hold clear of the main track to protect the superior train
unless it has been relieved by proper authority.
Q22 What is a 'block' under NORAC signal rules?
Page 3 of 47
, A block is a section of track of defined limits, the use of which is governed by
ANS
block signals, cab signals, track warrants, or other traffic control systems.
Q23 What is an 'absolute block'?
An absolute block is a block in which no train may enter while another train is
ANS occupying it or has authority to use it; it provides the highest level of track
occupancy protection.
Q24 What is an 'occupied block'?
An occupied block is one in which a train, engine, or on-track equipment is
ANS present, or for which authority has been given to a train but the block has not
been reported clear.
Q25 Who may authorize train movements on the main track?
Only the train dispatcher or other designated officer may authorize train
ANS movements on the main track, through issuance of track warrants, train
orders, or control of signal indications.
Q26 What does 'flag protection' mean under NORAC?
Flag protection means a member of the train crew goes back with a red flag
ANS (or fusees/torpedoes at night or in reduced visibility) to warn following trains of
a stalled or disabled train.
Q27 When must flag protection be established?
Flag protection must be established immediately when a train stops and is
ANS likely to be delayed, when the train is disabled, or whenever conditions may
endanger a following train. Crew must not wait for instructions.
Q28 What is a 'fusee'?
A fusee is a pyrotechnic signal device that burns bright red for a specified
ANS time; when placed on the rail, it warns a following train to slow to restricted
speed and stop if necessary.
What action must an engineer take upon encountering a burning fusee
Q29
on the track?
Upon sighting a burning fusee, the engineer must immediately reduce to
ANS restricted speed, be prepared to stop, and not pass the fusee until it has
burned out, unless otherwise authorized.
Page 4 of 47
