Train Driver FRA Regulations and Compliance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FRA regulations, what is the maximum number of consecutive hours a freight train engineer can work before a mandatory rest period?
- 12 hours (Correct answer)
- 8 hours
- 16 hours
- 10 hours
Correct answer: 12 hours
The Hours of Service Act limits freight train engineers to 12 consecutive hours on duty before requiring a rest period.
Question 2: What FRA regulation governs locomotive safety standards in the United States?
- 49 CFR Part 229 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 218
- 49 CFR Part 240
- 49 CFR Part 214
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 229
49 CFR Part 229 establishes the railroad locomotive safety standards enforced by the FRA.
Question 3: Under 49 CFR Part 240, what must a locomotive engineer possess to operate a locomotive?
- A valid FRA-certified engineer certificate (Correct answer)
- A commercial driver's license with rail endorsement
- A union membership card and company ID
- A state-issued transportation license
Correct answer: A valid FRA-certified engineer certificate
49 CFR Part 240 requires all locomotive engineers to hold a valid FRA-issued or railroad-certified engineer certificate.
Question 4: What does the FRA require regarding pre-departure brake inspections for freight trains?
- A Class I brake test must be performed at the initial terminal (Correct answer)
- Only a visual inspection of couplers is required
- A brake test is required only for trains exceeding 50 cars
- The conductor alone may certify brake readiness
Correct answer: A Class I brake test must be performed at the initial terminal
FRA regulations require a Class I brake inspection at initial terminals, verifying that air brakes function properly on all cars.
Question 5: According to FRA rules, what is required when a train is stopped on a main track for more than 20 minutes?
- Hand brakes must be applied to a sufficient number of cars to hold the train (Correct answer)
- The crew must exit and flag the track in both directions
- The locomotive must be shut down to conserve fuel
- A written report must be filed with the dispatcher
Correct answer: Hand brakes must be applied to a sufficient number of cars to hold the train
FRA rules require securing a stopped train with hand brakes when it is left unattended or stopped for extended periods on a main track.
Question 6: What blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is the FRA's legal limit for on-duty railroad employees?
- 0.04% (Correct answer)
- 0.08%
- 0.02%
- 0.00%
Correct answer: 0.04%
The FRA sets a BAC limit of 0.04% for safety-sensitive railroad employees, which is half the standard DUI limit.
Train Driver FRA Regulations and Compliance 1
Under FRA regulations, what is the maximum number of consecutive hours a freight train engineer can work before a mandatory rest period?