What is the speed limit when not moving to or from the main track and operating through hand-operated switches not equipped with a signal, unless specified otherwise?

What is the speed limit when not moving to or from the main track and operating through hand-operated switches not equipped with a signal, unless specified otherwise?

• A. 5 MPH
• B. 10 MPH
• C. 15 MPH
• D. 20 MPH

Answer: (B)

When you’re on a track that isn’t the main line and you’re moving through a hand-operated switch that has no signal, you must proceed at 10 mph. This slower speed provides enough time to verify that the switch is properly set and to react if anything looks off, since there’s no signal protection and you’re not on the main track. Going faster could compromise control at the switch and increase the risk of a misaligned turnout or derailment. The other speeds aren’t appropriate here: they’re either unnecessarily slow or unsafe for operating through an unprotected hand-operated switch.

When you’re on a track that isn’t the main line and you’re moving through a hand-operated switch that has no signal, you must proceed at 10 mph. This slower speed provides enough time to verify that the switch is properly set and to react if anything looks off, since there’s no signal protection and you’re not on the main track. Going faster could compromise control at the switch and increase the risk of a misaligned turnout or derailment. The other speeds aren’t appropriate here: they’re either unnecessarily slow or unsafe for operating through an unprotected hand-operated switch.