When is a track warrant considered to be in effect?

• A. Immediately upon issue
• B. After the train passes the last named point
• C. When the OK time is shown on it
• D. Upon crew acknowledgment

Answer: (C)

A track warrant is a time-based authority. It doesn’t become active the moment it’s issued; it only takes effect at the specific OK time shown on the warrant. That OK time is set so movements are coordinated with other trains and track conditions. The crew acknowledging receipt confirms they have read the warrant, but it doesn’t activate the authority by itself. Passing a named point isn’t the trigger for activation either. Therefore, the moment the OK time appears on the warrant is the point at which the movement is permitted.