Which of the following best describes restricted speed?

• A. Proceed prepared to stop within one-half the range of vision short of a train, engine, railroad car, roadway workers or equipment fouling the track, stop signal, derail or switch lined improperly, the crew must keep a lookout for broken rail and not exceed 20 MPH
• B. Not exceed 20 MPH only
• C. Proceed at 40 MPH
• D. Stop at every signal

Answer: (A)

Restricted speed means you must be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead, taking into account possible hazards on or near the track. In practice, you proceed prepared to stop within half the range of vision short of any train, engine, railroad car, roadway workers or equipment fouling the track, a stop signal, a derail, or a switch lined improperly, and you must keep a lookout for broken rail. At the same time, your speed must not exceed 20 mph.

This combination—being prepared to stop within half the visible range of vision and watching for hazards, with a 20 mph ceiling—is what defines restricted speed. The other descriptions miss one or more of these elements: just not exceeding 20 mph omits the required stopping-distance readiness and hazard awareness; 40 mph is too fast for restricted conditions; and stopping at every signal is a stricter requirement than restricted speed.