If a train is authorized to work in one direction and leaves the main track before reaching the last named point, what must be done?

• A. Inform the dispatcher, unless a crew member is left to prevent a following movement from passing
• B. Immediately re-enter the main track
• C. Alert the yardmaster and stop
• D. Continue and report later

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that protection under a track warrant ends when the train leaves the authorized main track before the last named point. Once that happens, you’re no longer under the warrant’s safe protection for that area, so the dispatcher needs to know to coordinate further movements. Informing the dispatcher allows them to halt or adjust authority and prevent a following movement from entering the same block unsafely. The rule also acknowledges that, if a crew member is left at the point to physically prevent a following movement from passing, the immediate need to involve the dispatcher can be avoided because local protection is in place. This keeps downstream operations safe and coordinated.

Re-entering the main track immediately isn’t appropriate because you’re already outside the authorized protection. Alerting the yardmaster isn’t the standard action for this situation, and continuing and reporting later would risk a collision or conflict with other movements.