How should you treat a conflict between two signaling devices?

• A. Follow the least restrictive indication and proceed quickly.
• B. Follow the most restrictive indication and obtain dispatcher confirmation before proceeding.
• C. Ignore both signals and proceed based on train schedule.
• D. Use your own judgement to choose a route.

Answer: (B)

When signals conflict, you must treat the movement as governed by the more restrictive indication and get explicit permission from the dispatcher before proceeding. Signals are set up so the stricter aspect takes priority to prevent unsafe movements—for example, if one device suggests proceed at normal speed while another requires stopping or reducing speed, the safer, more restrictive instruction wins. If there is any doubt or a potential fault causing the conflict, you should stop and contact the dispatcher to obtain positive authority to move. This prevents entering a block or route that isn’t clearly cleared, protecting against misreads, equipment failures, and incorrect interlocking settings. Proceed only after you have clear dispatcher authorization and are operating under the most restrictive indication shown.