A mandatory directive restricting a train's movement will not be issued near a point where the restriction applies until

• A. The dispatcher approves the route
• B. The primary signal is cleared
• C. The engineer or conductor confirms that the train can comply with the restriction.
• D. The train stops entirely

Answer: (C)

In this scenario the key idea is ensuring the crew can actually meet a movement-restricting instruction before it is issued. A mandatory directive that limits how a train can move is only placed near the point where it will take effect after the engineer or conductor confirms they can comply with that restriction. This confirmation communicates that the train has the necessary braking capability, speed control, and operational readiness to observe the restriction as it approaches the restriction point. If the crew can’t guarantee this, the directive wouldn’t be issued, preventing a situation where the train is told to do something it cannot safely perform.

The other factors aren’t what gate issuing the restriction. Route approval from the dispatcher concerns authorization of movement along a path, not whether the train can satisfy a specific restriction. Waiting for the primary signal to clear isn’t a prerequisite for issuing a restriction, since the restriction governs movement independent of signal aspects. Requiring the train to stop entirely before issuing the restriction would be impractical and unnecessary, as restrictions are often applicable while the train is still in motion.