BNSF CONDUCTOR FINAL PAPER 2025/2026 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
✔✔Duties of Crew Members Rule 1.47C - ✔✔C. All Crew Members' Responsibilities
1. To ensure the train is operated safely and rules are observed, all crew members must
act responsibly to prevent accidents or rule violations. Crew members in the engine
control compartment must communicate to each other any restrictions or other known
conditions that affect the safe operation of their train sufficiently in advance of such
condition to allow the engineer to take proper action. If proper action is not being taken,
crew members must remind engineer of such condition and required action.
2. Crew members in the engine control compartment must be alert for signals. As soon
as signals become visible or audible, crew members must communicate clearly to each
other the name of
signals affecting their train. They must continue to observe signals and announce any
change of aspect until the train passes the signal. If the signal is not complied with
promptly, crew members
must remind the engineer and/or conductor of the rule requirement. If crew members do
not agree on the signal indication, regard the signal as the most restrictive indication
observed.
BNSF Amendment—The following is added:
Crew members must not use binoculars or similar devices to determine the position,
aspect, or indication displayed by a fixed signal.
3. When the engineer and/or conductor fail to comply with a signal indication or take
proper action to comply with a restriction or rule, crew members must immediately take
action to ensure safety,
using the emergency brake valve to stop the train, if necessary.
✔✔Rule 2.14 Transmission of Mandatory Directives - ✔✔When transmitted by radio,
mandatory directives must conform to applicable operating rules and the following:
• The train dispatcher must state which mandatory directive will be transmitted.
• The employee must inform the train dispatcher when ready to copy stating the
employee's occupation (ex. conductor, engineer, foreman, maintainer), name and
location on the main track or where the main track will be entered. An employee
operating the controls of a moving engine may not copy mandatory
directives. In addition, mandatory directives must not be transmitted to the crew of a
moving train if the conductor, engineer or train dispatcher feels that the transmission
could adversely affect the safe operation of the train.
• The employee receiving a mandatory directive must copy it in writing using the format
outlined in the operating rules.
• Before a mandatory directive is acted upon, the conductor and engineer must each
have a written copy and each crew member must read and understand it.
✔✔Rule 6.11 Mandatory Directive - ✔✔Mandatory directives are written, printed, or
displayed authorities or speed restrictions issued by the train dispatcher or control
operator. Mandatory directives are:
• Track warrants.
,• Track bulletins.
• DTC authority.
• Track and time.
• Track permits.
• Radio speed restrictions.
A mandatory directive restricting a train's movement will not be issued near a point
where the restriction applies until the engineer or conductor confirms that the train can
comply with the restriction.
Indicate "VOID" on mandatory directive form when:
• Employee reports clear of authority limits,
or
• Mandatory directive is made void
Crew must retain mandatory directives for continuous tour of duty.
✔✔5.4.2A Display of Yellow Flag - ✔✔A. Restriction Specified in Writing
Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. Yellow flags warn trains to restrict movement
because of track conditions or structures. To make sure train movement is restricted at
the right location, employees must display a yellow flag 2 miles before the restricted
area.
Less than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area.
When the restricted area is close to a terminal, junction, or another area or if restriction
is on a siding, employees will display
the yellow flag less than 2 miles before the restricted area. This information will also be
included in the track bulletin, track warrant, or general order.
✔✔5.4.2A Display of Yellow Flag (Less than 2 miles Amendment) - ✔✔Less than Two
Miles Ahead of Restricted Area.
When the restricted area is close to a terminal, junction, or another area or if restriction
is on a siding, employees will display
the yellow flag less than 2 miles before the restricted area. This information will also be
included in the track bulletin, track warrant, or general order.
Once the Train Reaches the Restricted Area. The speed specified by track warrant,
track bulletin, general order, or radio speed restriction must not be exceeded until the
rear of the train clears the restricted area.
✔✔5.4.2B Display of Yellow Flag - ✔✔B. Restriction Is Not Specified in Writing
When a yellow flag is displayed and the restriction is not specified by a track bulletin,
track warrant, or general order, once the train is 2 miles beyond the yellow flag, crew
members
must:
1. Continue moving the train but at a speed not exceeding 10 MPH.
2. Resume speed only after the rear of the train has:
a. Passed a green flag.
or
,b. Traveled 4 miles beyond the yellow flag and the train dispatcher has verified that no
track bulletin or track warrant is in effect specifying a temporary speed restriction at that
location.
✔✔5.4.3 Display of Yellow-Red Flag - ✔✔Employees may display yellow-red flags from
one hour before to one hour after a Form B track bulletin is in effect. During that time
the employee in charge may provide a train instructions to proceed without restriction,
specifying the track bulletin number (specifying line number when necessary) and
advising no red flag is displayed.
The display of yellow-red flags as described does not extend the authorized working
time beyond the times listed on the track bulletin Form B.
✔✔5.4.3A Display of Yellow-Red Flag - ✔✔A. Restriction Specified in Writing
Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. Yellow-red flags warn a train to be prepared to
stop because of men or equipment. To make sure the train is prepared to stop at the
right location, employees must display a yellow-red flag 2 miles before the restricted
area.
✔✔5.4.3A Display of Yellow-Red Flag (Continued) - ✔✔Less Than Two Miles Ahead of
Restricted Area. When the restricted area is close to a terminal, junction, or another
area, employees will display the yellow-red flag less than 2
miles before the restricted area. This information will also be included in the track
bulletin, track warrant, or general order.
✔✔5.4.3B Display of Yellow-Red Flag - ✔✔B. Restriction Is Not Specified in Writing
When a yellow-red flag is displayed and the restriction is not specified by a track
bulletin, track warrant, or general order, crew members must be prepared to stop short
of a red flag 2 miles beyond the yellow-red flag. If a red flag is displayed, proceed as
outlined in Rule 5.4.7 (Display of Red Flag or Red Light). If no red flag is displayed:
1. Move at restricted speed.
2. Increase speed only after:
a. A crew member has received instructions from the employee in charge.
or
b. The leading wheels of movement are 4 miles beyond the yellow-red flag, and the
train dispatcher has verified that no track bulletin or track warrant protecting men or
equipment is in effect at that location.
✔✔5.4.5 Display of Green Flag - ✔✔A green flag indicates the end of a temporary
speed restriction. If a series of locations requires reduced speeds, the green flags could
overlap yellow flags. When this is the case, employees must:
• Place a yellow flag before each speed restriction.
• Place a green flag at the end of the last speed restriction.
✔✔5.4.7 Display of Red Flag or Red Light - ✔✔A red flag or red light is displayed where
trains must stop. When approaching a red flag or red light, the train must stop short of
the red flag or red light and not proceed unless the employee in charge gives
, instructions, including the milepost location of the red flag or red light. A crew member
must attempt to contact the employee in charge to avoid delay, giving the location of the
red flag or red light and the track being used. If instructions to proceed are received
before the train stops, the train may pass the red flag or red light without stopping.
If track bulletin Form B is not in effect, instructions must include speed and distance.
This speed must not be exceeded until the rear of the train has passed the specified
distance from
the red flag or red light, unless otherwise instructed by the employee in charge.
Displayed Between Rails. When a red flag or red light is displayed between the rails of a
track, the train must stop and not proceed until the flag or light has been removed by an
employee of the class that placed it.
✔✔5.6 Unattended Fusee - ✔✔If a train approaches an unattended fusee burning on or
near its track, the train must stop consistent with
good train handling.
A train moving at restricted speed must stop before passing the fusee.
After stopping, the train must proceed at restricted speed for 1 mile beyond the fusee.
If the unattended burning fusee is beyond the first rail of an adjacent track, the fusee
does not apply to the track on which the train is moving.
Do not place fusees where they may cause fires.
✔✔5.8.2 Sounding Whistle - ✔✔The whistle may be used at anytime as a warning
regardless of any whistle prohibitions.
When other employees are working in the immediate area, sound the required whistle
signal before moving.
Other forms of communications may be used in place of whistle signals, except signals
(1), (7), and (8). See following chart.
✔✔Rule 5.13A Blue Signal Protection of Workmen - ✔✔A. What a Blue Signal Signifies
A blue signal signifies that workmen are on, under, or between rolling equipment and
requires that:
1. 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.
2. Rolling equipment must not pass a blue signal on a track protected by the signal.
3. Other rolling equipment must not be placed on the same track so as to block or
reduce the view of the blue signal.
a. However, rolling equipment may be placed on the same track when it is placed on
designated engine servicing area tracks or car shop repair area tracks, or when a derail
divides a track into separate working areas.
4. Rolling equipment must not enter a track when a blue signal is displayed at the
entrance to the track.
✔✔Rule 5.13B Blue Signal Protection of Workmen (Main Track) - ✔✔B. How to Provide
Protection
AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
✔✔Duties of Crew Members Rule 1.47C - ✔✔C. All Crew Members' Responsibilities
1. To ensure the train is operated safely and rules are observed, all crew members must
act responsibly to prevent accidents or rule violations. Crew members in the engine
control compartment must communicate to each other any restrictions or other known
conditions that affect the safe operation of their train sufficiently in advance of such
condition to allow the engineer to take proper action. If proper action is not being taken,
crew members must remind engineer of such condition and required action.
2. Crew members in the engine control compartment must be alert for signals. As soon
as signals become visible or audible, crew members must communicate clearly to each
other the name of
signals affecting their train. They must continue to observe signals and announce any
change of aspect until the train passes the signal. If the signal is not complied with
promptly, crew members
must remind the engineer and/or conductor of the rule requirement. If crew members do
not agree on the signal indication, regard the signal as the most restrictive indication
observed.
BNSF Amendment—The following is added:
Crew members must not use binoculars or similar devices to determine the position,
aspect, or indication displayed by a fixed signal.
3. When the engineer and/or conductor fail to comply with a signal indication or take
proper action to comply with a restriction or rule, crew members must immediately take
action to ensure safety,
using the emergency brake valve to stop the train, if necessary.
✔✔Rule 2.14 Transmission of Mandatory Directives - ✔✔When transmitted by radio,
mandatory directives must conform to applicable operating rules and the following:
• The train dispatcher must state which mandatory directive will be transmitted.
• The employee must inform the train dispatcher when ready to copy stating the
employee's occupation (ex. conductor, engineer, foreman, maintainer), name and
location on the main track or where the main track will be entered. An employee
operating the controls of a moving engine may not copy mandatory
directives. In addition, mandatory directives must not be transmitted to the crew of a
moving train if the conductor, engineer or train dispatcher feels that the transmission
could adversely affect the safe operation of the train.
• The employee receiving a mandatory directive must copy it in writing using the format
outlined in the operating rules.
• Before a mandatory directive is acted upon, the conductor and engineer must each
have a written copy and each crew member must read and understand it.
✔✔Rule 6.11 Mandatory Directive - ✔✔Mandatory directives are written, printed, or
displayed authorities or speed restrictions issued by the train dispatcher or control
operator. Mandatory directives are:
• Track warrants.
,• Track bulletins.
• DTC authority.
• Track and time.
• Track permits.
• Radio speed restrictions.
A mandatory directive restricting a train's movement will not be issued near a point
where the restriction applies until the engineer or conductor confirms that the train can
comply with the restriction.
Indicate "VOID" on mandatory directive form when:
• Employee reports clear of authority limits,
or
• Mandatory directive is made void
Crew must retain mandatory directives for continuous tour of duty.
✔✔5.4.2A Display of Yellow Flag - ✔✔A. Restriction Specified in Writing
Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. Yellow flags warn trains to restrict movement
because of track conditions or structures. To make sure train movement is restricted at
the right location, employees must display a yellow flag 2 miles before the restricted
area.
Less than Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area.
When the restricted area is close to a terminal, junction, or another area or if restriction
is on a siding, employees will display
the yellow flag less than 2 miles before the restricted area. This information will also be
included in the track bulletin, track warrant, or general order.
✔✔5.4.2A Display of Yellow Flag (Less than 2 miles Amendment) - ✔✔Less than Two
Miles Ahead of Restricted Area.
When the restricted area is close to a terminal, junction, or another area or if restriction
is on a siding, employees will display
the yellow flag less than 2 miles before the restricted area. This information will also be
included in the track bulletin, track warrant, or general order.
Once the Train Reaches the Restricted Area. The speed specified by track warrant,
track bulletin, general order, or radio speed restriction must not be exceeded until the
rear of the train clears the restricted area.
✔✔5.4.2B Display of Yellow Flag - ✔✔B. Restriction Is Not Specified in Writing
When a yellow flag is displayed and the restriction is not specified by a track bulletin,
track warrant, or general order, once the train is 2 miles beyond the yellow flag, crew
members
must:
1. Continue moving the train but at a speed not exceeding 10 MPH.
2. Resume speed only after the rear of the train has:
a. Passed a green flag.
or
,b. Traveled 4 miles beyond the yellow flag and the train dispatcher has verified that no
track bulletin or track warrant is in effect specifying a temporary speed restriction at that
location.
✔✔5.4.3 Display of Yellow-Red Flag - ✔✔Employees may display yellow-red flags from
one hour before to one hour after a Form B track bulletin is in effect. During that time
the employee in charge may provide a train instructions to proceed without restriction,
specifying the track bulletin number (specifying line number when necessary) and
advising no red flag is displayed.
The display of yellow-red flags as described does not extend the authorized working
time beyond the times listed on the track bulletin Form B.
✔✔5.4.3A Display of Yellow-Red Flag - ✔✔A. Restriction Specified in Writing
Two Miles Ahead of Restricted Area. Yellow-red flags warn a train to be prepared to
stop because of men or equipment. To make sure the train is prepared to stop at the
right location, employees must display a yellow-red flag 2 miles before the restricted
area.
✔✔5.4.3A Display of Yellow-Red Flag (Continued) - ✔✔Less Than Two Miles Ahead of
Restricted Area. When the restricted area is close to a terminal, junction, or another
area, employees will display the yellow-red flag less than 2
miles before the restricted area. This information will also be included in the track
bulletin, track warrant, or general order.
✔✔5.4.3B Display of Yellow-Red Flag - ✔✔B. Restriction Is Not Specified in Writing
When a yellow-red flag is displayed and the restriction is not specified by a track
bulletin, track warrant, or general order, crew members must be prepared to stop short
of a red flag 2 miles beyond the yellow-red flag. If a red flag is displayed, proceed as
outlined in Rule 5.4.7 (Display of Red Flag or Red Light). If no red flag is displayed:
1. Move at restricted speed.
2. Increase speed only after:
a. A crew member has received instructions from the employee in charge.
or
b. The leading wheels of movement are 4 miles beyond the yellow-red flag, and the
train dispatcher has verified that no track bulletin or track warrant protecting men or
equipment is in effect at that location.
✔✔5.4.5 Display of Green Flag - ✔✔A green flag indicates the end of a temporary
speed restriction. If a series of locations requires reduced speeds, the green flags could
overlap yellow flags. When this is the case, employees must:
• Place a yellow flag before each speed restriction.
• Place a green flag at the end of the last speed restriction.
✔✔5.4.7 Display of Red Flag or Red Light - ✔✔A red flag or red light is displayed where
trains must stop. When approaching a red flag or red light, the train must stop short of
the red flag or red light and not proceed unless the employee in charge gives
, instructions, including the milepost location of the red flag or red light. A crew member
must attempt to contact the employee in charge to avoid delay, giving the location of the
red flag or red light and the track being used. If instructions to proceed are received
before the train stops, the train may pass the red flag or red light without stopping.
If track bulletin Form B is not in effect, instructions must include speed and distance.
This speed must not be exceeded until the rear of the train has passed the specified
distance from
the red flag or red light, unless otherwise instructed by the employee in charge.
Displayed Between Rails. When a red flag or red light is displayed between the rails of a
track, the train must stop and not proceed until the flag or light has been removed by an
employee of the class that placed it.
✔✔5.6 Unattended Fusee - ✔✔If a train approaches an unattended fusee burning on or
near its track, the train must stop consistent with
good train handling.
A train moving at restricted speed must stop before passing the fusee.
After stopping, the train must proceed at restricted speed for 1 mile beyond the fusee.
If the unattended burning fusee is beyond the first rail of an adjacent track, the fusee
does not apply to the track on which the train is moving.
Do not place fusees where they may cause fires.
✔✔5.8.2 Sounding Whistle - ✔✔The whistle may be used at anytime as a warning
regardless of any whistle prohibitions.
When other employees are working in the immediate area, sound the required whistle
signal before moving.
Other forms of communications may be used in place of whistle signals, except signals
(1), (7), and (8). See following chart.
✔✔Rule 5.13A Blue Signal Protection of Workmen - ✔✔A. What a Blue Signal Signifies
A blue signal signifies that workmen are on, under, or between rolling equipment and
requires that:
1. 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.
2. Rolling equipment must not pass a blue signal on a track protected by the signal.
3. Other rolling equipment must not be placed on the same track so as to block or
reduce the view of the blue signal.
a. However, rolling equipment may be placed on the same track when it is placed on
designated engine servicing area tracks or car shop repair area tracks, or when a derail
divides a track into separate working areas.
4. Rolling equipment must not enter a track when a blue signal is displayed at the
entrance to the track.
✔✔Rule 5.13B Blue Signal Protection of Workmen (Main Track) - ✔✔B. How to Provide
Protection
