When you encounter a conditional stop sign, what action must you take?

When you encounter a conditional stop sign, what action must you take?

• A. Stop the train immediately, contact the train dispatcher and be governed by his or her instructions.
• B. Slow to 15 MPH and proceed.
• C. Ignore the sign if no one is around.
• D. Stop and wait for permission from a railroad worker.

Answer: (A)

Seeing a conditional stop sign means you must stop immediately and obtain explicit authorization from the railroad dispatcher before proceeding. The dispatcher coordinates track usage and can provide instructions based on current conditions, other trains, or work in the area. You only move after their instruction, ensuring safe and orderly passage. Speeding up after a partial stop or proceeding without permission isn’t allowed, because you don’t have confirmation that it’s safe to move. Ignoring the sign is dangerous and illegal. Waiting for a railroad worker’s permission isn’t the standard process either—the dispatcher is the official authority to grant track clearance.

Seeing a conditional stop sign means you must stop immediately and obtain explicit authorization from the railroad dispatcher before proceeding. The dispatcher coordinates track usage and can provide instructions based on current conditions, other trains, or work in the area. You only move after their instruction, ensuring safe and orderly passage.

Speeding up after a partial stop or proceeding without permission isn’t allowed, because you don’t have confirmation that it’s safe to move. Ignoring the sign is dangerous and illegal. Waiting for a railroad worker’s permission isn’t the standard process either—the dispatcher is the official authority to grant track clearance.