FRA Operating Rules & Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FRA regulations, what is the maximum number of consecutive hours a freight train engineer may work before a mandatory rest period?
- 10 hours
- 12 hours (Correct answer)
- 14 hours
- 16 hours
Correct answer: 12 hours
FRA Hours of Service rules generally limit freight train engineers to 12 consecutive hours on duty before requiring a mandatory off-duty period.
Question 2: Which FRA regulation governs the inspection and maintenance requirements for railroad track?
- 49 CFR Part 213 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 218
- 49 CFR Part 229
- 49 CFR Part 240
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 213
49 CFR Part 213 contains the Track Safety Standards that define inspection cycles and maintenance requirements for railroad track.
Question 3: A train crew member observes a red flag or light placed by a track worker ahead. What is the required action?
- Reduce speed to 10 mph and proceed
- Stop short of the flag or light and await instructions (Correct answer)
- Sound horn twice and pass at restricted speed
- Contact dispatcher and proceed at slow speed
Correct answer: Stop short of the flag or light and await instructions
A red flag or red light placed by roadway workers is a stop signal; the crew must stop short of it and not pass until cleared.
Question 4: What does 'restricted speed' mean under standard railroad operating rules?
- No more than 25 mph
- Speed that allows stopping within half the range of vision
- Speed that allows stopping within the range of vision and not exceeding 15 mph (Correct answer)
- Speed dictated by the timetable for that segment
Correct answer: Speed that allows stopping within the range of vision and not exceeding 15 mph
Restricted speed requires a train to proceed at a speed that allows stopping within the range of vision and not exceeding 15 mph.
Question 5: Under FRA drug and alcohol regulations (49 CFR Part 219), post-accident toxicological testing is required when a fatality occurs OR when a train collision results in damage exceeding what threshold?
- $25,000
- $100,000
- $150,000 (Correct answer)
- $200,000
Correct answer: $150,000
Post-accident toxicological testing is mandatory when reportable damage equals or exceeds $150,000 under 49 CFR Part 219.
Question 6: Which document must a locomotive engineer have in their possession while operating a locomotive?
- FRA medical certificate only
- Certified engineer's license issued under 49 CFR Part 240 (Correct answer)
- State-issued driver's license and railroad ID
- Company seniority card and general code of operating rules
Correct answer: Certified engineer's license issued under 49 CFR Part 240
49 CFR Part 240 requires locomotive engineers to hold and carry a certificate of qualification issued by their railroad and recognized by the FRA.
Question 7: When a locomotive's automatic brake valve is placed in 'emergency' position, what is the expected outcome?
- Brakes apply to the locomotive only
- Brakes release on all cars to allow manual control
- An emergency brake application propagates through the entire train (Correct answer)
- The brake pipe pressure stabilizes at 26 psi
Correct answer: An emergency brake application propagates through the entire train
Placing the brake valve in emergency vents the brake pipe to atmosphere rapidly, propagating an emergency brake application to every car in the train.
FRA Operating Rules & Regulations 2
Under FRA regulations, what is the maximum number of consecutive hours a freight train engineer may work before a mandatory rest period?