Under NORAC 100, when may a crew depart a yard or designated point?

• A. When authority is established and the route is clear of conflicting movements.
• B. After receiving a green signal from the yardmaster.
• C. After the engineer completes a pre-departure safety check.
• D. If no other train is in the vicinity.

Answer: (A)

Departing a yard or designated point requires a clear, valid authority to proceed and confirmation that the planned route has no conflicting movements. This combination is what keeps movements coordinated and prevents collisions in busy yard environments. Even though the engineer should perform a pre-departure safety check, that check by itself doesn’t substitute for having official authorization and a route set and free of conflicts. A green signal from the yardmaster or the absence of nearby trains might seem reassuring, but signals and the absence of obvious traffic don’t guarantee there aren’t other movements or switch actions that could intersect your route. The safe rule is simple: you may depart only when authority is established and the route ahead is clear of all conflicting movements.