When may you pass a signal showing red?

• A. Proceed through red signals as long as you can call the dispatcher while moving.
• B. Only when the signal displays a proceed aspect or when explicitly authorized by a dispatcher or train order.
• C. Ignore the signal and continue at reduced speed.
• D. Stop and reverse direction immediately.

Answer: (B)

Red means stop. You may pass a red signal only when you have explicit authority to do so or when the signal has a proceed aspect. In practice, that means you can move past a red only if the dispatcher or a train order has authorized you to proceed, or if the signal itself changes to a proceed aspect that permits movement. Merely calling the dispatcher while moving does not make passing the red legal—you must have clearance before passing. Ignoring the signal or proceeding without authority is unsafe and not allowed, and reversing direction isn’t the required action unless specifically instructed.