NORAC Signal Aspects

From NORAC Operating Rules, 8th Edition, Effective 1 January 2003.

Fixed Signal Aspects

Rule # Aspect(s) Indication
280a Rule 280a Clear to Next Interlocking Trains with inoperative cab signals, automatic train stop or speed control must proceed on fixed signal indication, (and cab signal indication, if operable) not exceeding 79 MPH.
Trains with inoperative cab signals must approach the next home signal prepared to stop, unless Approach Normal (Rule 280b) is displayed on a distant signal prior to the home signal.
280b Rule 280b Approach Normal Trains without operative cab signals must proceed on fixed signal indication not exceeding 79 MPH.
281 Rule 281 Clear Proceed not exceeding Normal Speed.
281a Rule 281a Cab Speed Proceed in accordance with cab signal indication. Reduce speed to not exceeding 60 MPH if Cab Speed cab signal is displayed without a signal speed, or if cab signals are not operative.
281b Rule 281b Approach Limited Proceed approaching the next signal at Limited Speed.
281c Rule 281c Limited Clear Proceed at Limited Speed until entire train clears all interlocking or spring switches, then proceed at Normal Speed.
282 Rule 282 Approach Medium Proceed approaching the next signal at Medium Speed.
282a Rule 282a Advance Approach Proceed prepared to stop at the second signal. Trains exceeding Limited Speed must begin reduction to Limited Speed as soon as engine passes the Advance Approach signal.
283 Rule 283 Medium Clear Proceed at Medium Speed until entire train clears all interlocking or spring switches, then proceed at Normal Speed.
In CSS territory with fixed automatic block signals, trains not equipped with operative cab signals must approach the next signal at Medium Speed.
283a Rule 283a Medium Approach Medium Proceed at Medium Speed until entire train clears all interlocking or spring switches, then approach the next signal at Medium Speed.
Trains exceeding Medium Speed must begin reduction to Medium Speed as soon as the Medium Approach Medium signal is clearly visible.
284 Rule 284 Approach Slow Proceed approaching the next signal at Slow Speed. Trains exceeding Medium Speed must begin reduction to Medium Speed as soon as engine passes the Approach Slow signal.
285 Rule 285 Approach Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal. Trains exceeding Medium Speed must begin reduction to Medium Speed as soon as the engine passes the Approach signal.
286 Rule 286 Medium Approach Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal. Trains exceeding Medium Speed must begin reduction to Medium Speed as soon as the Medium Approach Signal is clearly visible.
287 Rule 287 Slow Clear Proceed at Slow Speed until entire train clears all interlocking or spring switches, then proceed at Normal Speed.
In CSS territory with fixed signals, trains not equipped with operative cab signals must approach the next signal at Medium Speed once they have left interlocking limits.
288 Rule 288 Slow Approach Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal. Slow Speed applies until entire train clears all interlocking or spring switches, then Medium Speed applies.
290 Rule 290 Restricting Proceed at Restricted Speed until the entire train has cleared all interlocking and spring switches (if signal is an interlocking or CP Signal) and the leading wheels have:
  1. Passed a more favorable fixed signal, or
  2. Entered nonsignalled DCS territory, or
In CSS territory, trains with operative cab signals must not increase speed until the train has run one train length or 500 feet (whichever distance is greater), past a location where a more favorable cab signal was received.
291 Rule 291 Stop and Proceed Stop, then proceed at Restricted Speed until the entire train has cleared all interlocking and spring switches (if signal is an interlocking or CP signal) and the leading wheels have:
  1. Passed a more favorable fixed signal, or
  2. Entered nonsignalled DCS territory, or
In CSS territory, trains with operative cab signals must not increase their speed until they have run one train length or 500 feet (whichever distance is greater) past a location where a more favorable cab signal was received.
Where a letter G (grade marker) or a letter R (restricting marker) is displayed in addition to a number plate as part of these aspects, freight trains may observe the signal as though Restricting, Rule 290, were displayed.
292 Rule 292 Stop Signal Stop.
293 Rule 293 Switch Closed Signal Proceed.
293a Rule 293a Switch Open Signal Proceed prepared to stop short of open switches.
293b Rule 293b Approach Clear Proceed.
NOTE: Does not convey block or track information.
293c Rule 293c Approach Restricting Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal. Trains exceeding Medium Speed must begin reduction to Medium Speed as soon as the engine passes the Approach Restricting signal.
NOTE: Does not convey block or track information.
294 Rule 294 Clear Slide Detector Signal Proceed; slide detector not actuated.
294a Rule 294a Slide Detector Signal Approach actuated slide detector prepared to stop short of obstruction.
296 Rule 296 Approach Permanent Speed Limit Sign Proceed prepared to operate at posted speed through permanent speed restriction.
NOTE: In electrified territory, this sign will be mounted in the catenary system; in non-electrified territory, this sign will be mounted on an overhead bridge of pole approximately 12 feet above the top of the rail.
296a Rule 296a Approach Speed Limit Sign Approach the Speed Limit Sign at a speed not exceeding the speed posted on the Approach Speed Limit Sign. Where a sign with two sets of numerals is posted, the higher speed applies to passenger trains, and the lower speed applies to freight trains.
296b Rule 296b Speed Limit Sign Proceed at speed posted on the Approach Speed Limit Sign until the entire train has cleared the Resume Speed Sign.
296c Rule 296c Resume Speed Sign Resume speed after the entire train has passed the Resume Speed Sign.
296d Rule 296d Diverging Approach Speed Limit Sign If routed to affected track, approach the Speed Limit Sign not exceeding the speed on the Diverging Approach Speed Limit Sign.
297 Rule 297 Approach Sign Proceed prepared to stop at the Stop Sign. Trains exceeding Medium Speed must begin reduction to Medium Speed as soon as the engine passes the Approach Sign.
297a Rule 297a Stop Sign Stop, unless permission is received as prescribed by Rule 135.
297bb Rule 297b Working Limits Speed Limit Sign Proceed not exceeding 30 MPH until passing a Working Limits Resume Speed Sign, unless otherwise instructed by the employee in charge.
297c Rule 297c Working Limits Resume Speed Sign Resume speed after the entire train has passed the Working Limits Resume Speed Sign.
297d Rule 297d Diverging Approach Sign If routed to affected track, proceed prepared to stop at the Stop Sign. Trains exceeding Medium Speed must begin reduction to Medium Speed as soon as the engine passes the Diverging Approach Sign.
298 Rule 298 Distant Signal Marker Visual reminder to push-pull trains that Rule 504(b) applies in the block governed by this signal.
NOTE: Located on or near the mast of distant signals in territory where push-pull trains operate, cab signals are not in service, and the maximum speed of trains exceeds 30 MPH.
298a Rule 298a Delayed In Block Sign Visual reminder to push-pull trains that Rule 504(b) applies to station stops made at this station.
NOTE: Located at or near the end of passenger stations in blocks between distant signals and home signals in territory where push-pull trains operate, cab signals are not in service, and the maximum speed of trains exceeds 30 MPH.