OpenRailwayMap/Work Rules in North America

Operating Rulebooks

This page contains information on the various common operating rulebooks in Canada, Mexico, and the US, in order to help complete the workrules=* tag. This data is very much a work in progress.

Definitive OpenRailwayMap (ORM) tagging conventions are found at OpenRailwayMap/Tagging. For general guidance on tagging specific to North American railroads, see OpenRailwayMap/Tagging in North America. For general information on the US railway mapping effort, see United States/Railroads, which contains some information also useful in Canada and Mexico.

NORAC

The Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee is both a rulebook and the organization that defines said rulebook. NORAC was formed in 1985 to create a common rulebook for the Northeast; operations became more complicated after the creation of Amtrak and Conrail, and after state and municipal agencies took over commuter rail operation and ownership. As such, NORAC has more ways to represent the same signal rule than any other set of operating rules in the United States. NORAC is a speed signalling system, and has the most speed signalling than any other rulebook. Those using NORAC have to use the rulebook in its entirety, with no additional rules. NORAC 12th edition is current, effective 1 January 2024.

workrules=US:NORAC

Member Railroads

Railroad Name	Abbreviation	Reporting Mark(s)	Membership Status	Passenger	Freight	Applicable Lines	Notes
Adirondack Scenic Railroad	fixme	fixme	Associate Member	Heritage/Tourist	fixme	fixme
Amtrak	AMTK		Full Member	Passenger	No	Shore Line (New Haven to Boston) New York Terminal District Springfield Line (New Haven to Springfield) Philadelphia to Harrisburg Main Line (Keystone Corridor) New York Terminal District
Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railway	B&ML	BML	Associate Member	Heritage/Tourist	Rights to	Belfast and Moosehead Railroad
Cape Cod Central Railroad
Cape May Seashore Lines
Columbia & Reading Railway
Delaware Lackawaxen & Stourbridge Railroad	DL&S	DLS		Excursion	Yes
East Jersey Railroad & Terminal		EJR		No	Yes
East Penn Railroad		ESPN
Finger Lakes Railway	FLGK		Associate Member	Heritage/Tourist	Common Carrier	fixme
Fore River Railroad		FRVT		No	Common Carrier
Genesee Valley Transportation
Grafton & Upton Railroad Company
Housatonic Railroad	fixme	HRRC
Maine Eastern Railroad	MERR		Associate Member	Heritage/Tourist	Common Carrier	Rockland Branch Lower Road
Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority	MBTA	MBTX	Full Member	Commuter	No	fixme
Metro-North Railroad	fixme	fixme	Former Member
Naugatuck Railroad	fixme	NAUG	Associate Member	Heritage/Tourist	fixme	fixme
New Jersey Transit	NJT	NJTR
New York, Susquehanna, and Western Railway	NYS&W	NYSW	Associate Member	No	Common Carrier	All
Pan Am Railways	PAR	fixme	fixme Member	fixme	Common Carrier	fixme
Plymouth & Lincoln Railroad		PLLX
Providence and Worcester Railroad	P&W	PW	Full Member	Excursion	Common Carrier	fixme
Southern Railroad of New Jersey
Seminole Gulf Railway
SMS Rail Service
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority	SEPTA	SEPA
Valley Railroad	VRR	VALE	Associate Member	Heritage/Tourist	Rights to	Valley Line
Wellsboro & Corning Railroad
West Chester Railroad
Winimac Southern Railroad

Defined Terms

Signal System Types

<todo>

Speeds

Name	Passenger	Freight	Notes
Normal Speed	The Maximum authorized speed.
Limited Speed	Not exceeding 45 MPH.	Not exceeding 40 MPH
Medium Speed	Not exceeding 30 MPH
Slow Speed	Not exceeding 15 MPH
Restricted Speed	Not exceeding a speed that permits the movement to be stopped within 1/2 the range of vision short of any obstructions or signals requiring a stop.

Signalling Rules

Keyvalues are defined US-NORAC:<rule>, where the value of <rule> is defined in the table below.

Rule	Name	Description	Notes	Signal Aspects	Pedestal/Dwarf Signal Aspects	Semaphore Aspects
280a	Clear to Next Interlocking	Trains without operative cab signals must proceed on fixed signal indication, not exceeding 79 MPH, approaching next home signal prepared to stop.
280b	Approach Normal	Trains without operative cab signals must proceed on fixed signal indication not exceeding 79 MPH.
281	Clear	Proceed not exceeding Normal Speed.
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	Approach Limited	Proceed approaching the next signal at Limited Speed.	Yellow triangle marker is a fixed signal.
281c	Limited Clear	Proceed at Limited Speed until entire train clears all interlocking or spring switches, then proceed at Normal Speed.	Yellow triangle marker is a fixed signal.
282	Approach Medium	Proceed approaching the next signal at Medium Speed.
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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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 passed a more favorable fixed signal or entered non-signalled DCS territory. 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.	fixme
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 passed a more favorable fixed signal, or entered non-signalled DCS territory. 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	Stop Signal	Stop.
293	Switch Closed Signal	Proceed.
293a	Switch Open Signal	Proceed prepared to stop short of open switches.
293b	Approach Clear	Proceed.	Does not convey block or track information.
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.	Does not convey block or track information.
294	Clear Slide Detector Signal	Proceed; slide detector not actuated.
294a	Slide Detector	Approach actuated slide detector prepared to stop short of obstruction.
296	Approach Permanent Speed Limit Sign	Proceed prepared to operate at posted speed through permanent speed restriction.	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 or pole approximately 12 feet above the top of the rail.
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	Speed Limit Sign	Proceed at speed posted on the Approach Speed Limit Sign until the entire train has cleared the Resume Speed Sign.
296c	Resume Speed Sign	Resume speed after the entire train has passed the Resume Speed Sign.
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	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	Stop Sign	Stop, unless permission is received as prescribed by Rule 135.	fixme
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.	fixme
297c	Working Limits Resume Speed Sign	Resume speed after the entire train has passed the Working Limits Resume Speed Sign.
297d	Diverging Approach Sign	If routed to affected track, proceed prepared to stop at the Stop Sign. Trains exceeding must begin reduction to Medium Speed as soon as the engine passes the Diverging Approach Sign.
298	Distant Signal Marker	Visual reminder to push-pull trains that Rule 504(b) applies in the block governed by this signal.	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	Delayed in Block Sign	Visual reminder to push-pull trains that Rule 504(b) applies to station stops made at this station.	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.

CSX

CSX has adopted their own rulebook, with multiple different signalling systems: CSX standard (1280-1298), Chessie System (C1280-C1298), and Conrail (CR1277-CR1295). The CSX standard rules were adopted in 2004 based on the NORAC rules, with a 1 before the NORAC rule number. The two rulebooks have diverged since then.

workrules=US:CSX

Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern has adopted their own rulebook.

workrules=US:NS

GCOR

The General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) is a set of operating rules for railroads in the United States. The GCOR is used by Class I railroads west of the Chicago, most of the Class II railroads, and many Short-line railroads. The current version is the 7th Edition in effective April 1st, 2015.

workrules=US:GCOR

Member Railroads

Members and Membership Status

Railroad Name	Abbreviation	Reporting Mark(s)	Membership Status	Passenger	Freight	Applicable Lines	Notes
BNSF Railway	BNSF	BNSF, GN, BN,	Seventh Edition	Yes	Yes	All
Union Pacific Railway	UP	UP, WP, SP,	Seventh Edition	Yes	Yes	All

<membership table under construction>

CROR

The Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) is a set of operating rules for railroads in Canada. The CROR is used by every Canadian railway. The current version is the one dated 9 May2022.

The CROR only dictates what light signals should look like, and leaves the track-side signs up to the individual operators. The signs are similar across the different operators

workrules=CA:CROR

Defined Terms

Speeds

Name	Definition
Normal Speed	The Maximum authorized speed.
Limited Speed	Not exceeding 45 MPH.
Medium Speed	Not exceeding 30 MPH
Diverging Speed	Not exceeding 25 MPH
Slow Speed	Not exceeding 15 MPH
Turnout Speed	Unless otherwise provided by signal indication or special instructions, a speed not exceeding 15 MPH.
Restricted Speed	Not exceeding a speed that permits the movement to be stopped within 1/2 the range of vision short of any obstructions or signals requiring a stop.

Signalling Rules

Keyvalues are defined CA-CROR:<rule>, where the value of <rule> is defined in the table below.

Rule	Name	Description	Notes	Signal Aspects	Pedestal/Dwarf Signal Aspects
405	Clear Signal	Proceed
406	Clear to Limited	Proceed, approaching next signal at LIMITED speed		File:CROR 406.svg
407	Clear to Medium	Proceed, approaching next signal at MEDIUM speed		File:CROR 407.svg
408	Clear to Diverging	Proceed, approaching next signal at DIVERGING speed. (DV plaque required)		File:CROR 408.svg
409	Clear to Slow	Proceed, approaching next signal at SLOW speed.		File:CROR 409.svg
410	Clear to Restricting	Proceed, next signal is displaying Restricting Signal.		File:CROR 410.svg	N/A
411	Clear to Stop	Proceed, preparing to stop at next signal.		File:CROR 411.svg	N/A
412	Advance Clear to Limited	Proceed, approaching second signal at LIMITED speed.		File:CROR 412.svg	N/A
413	Advance Clear to Medium	Proceed, approaching second signal at MEDIUM speed		File:CROR 413.svg	N/A
414	Advance Clear to Slow	Proceed, approaching second signal at SLOW speed.			N/A
414A	Advance Clear to Diverging	Proceed, approaching second signal at DIVERGING speed.		File:CROR 414A.svg	N/A
415	Advance Clear to Stop	Proceed, next signal is displaying Clear to Stop, be prepared to stop at second signal.		File:CROR 415.svg	N/A
416	Limited to Clear	Proceed, LIMITED speed passing signal and through turnouts.		Error creating thumbnail:	N/A
417	Limited to Limited	Proceed, LIMITED speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at LIMITED speed.		File:CROR 417.svg	N/A
418	Limited to Medium	Proceed, LIMITED speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at MEDIUM speed.		Error creating thumbnail:	N/A
419	Limited to Slow	Proceed, LIMITED speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at SLOW speed.		File:CROR 419.svg
419A	Limited to Diverging	Proceed, LIMITED speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at DIVERGING speed.		File:CROR 419A.svg
420	Limited to Restricting	Proceed, LIMITED speed passing signal and through turnouts, next signal is displaying Restricting Signal.
421	Limited to Stop	Proceed, LIMITED speed passing signal and through turnouts, preparing to stop at next signal.		File:CROR 421.svg
422	Medium to Clear	Proceed, MEDIUM speed passing signal and through turnouts.		File:CROR 422.svg
423	Medium to Limited	Proceed, MEDIUM speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at LIMITED speed.		Error creating thumbnail:
424	Medium to Medium	Proceed, MEDIUM speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at MEDIUM speed.		File:CROR 424.svg	N/A
425	Medium to Slow	Proceed, MEDIUM speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at SLOW speed.		File:CROR 425.svg
425A	Medium to Diverging	Proceed, MEDIUM speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at DIVERGING speed. (DV plaque required)		File:CROR 425A.svg
426	Medium to Restrictinig	Proceed, MEDIUM speed passing signal and through turnouts, next signal is displaying Restricting Signal.		File:CROR 426.svg
427	Medium to Stop	Proceed, MEDIUM speed passing signal and through turnouts, preparing to stop at next signal		File:CROR 427.svg
428	Diverging to Clear	Proceed, DIVERGING speed passing signal and through turnouts. (DV plaque required)		File:CROR 428.svg
429	Diverging to Stop	Proceed, DIVERGING speed passing signal and through turnouts preparing to stop at next signal. (DV plaque required)		File:CROR 429.svg
430	Diverging	Proceed at REDUCED speed, not exceeding DIVERGING speed passing signal and through turnouts. (DV plaque required)		File:CROR 430.svg
431	Slow to Clear	Proceed, SLOW speed passing signal and through turnouts.		File:CROR 431.svg
432	Slow to Limited	Proceed, SLOW speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at LIMITED speed		File:CROR 432.svg
432A	Diverging to Limited	Proceed, DIVERGING speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at LIMITED speed. (DV plaque required)		File:CROR 432A.svg	N/A
433	Slow to Medium	Proceed, SLOW speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at MEDIUM speed.		File:CROR 433.svg	N/A
433A	Diverging to Medium	Proceed, DIVERGING speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at MEDIUM speed. (DV plaque required)		File:CROR 433A.svg	N/A
434	Slow to Slow	Proceed, SLOW speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at SLOW speed.		File:CROR 434.svg	N/A
434A	Diverging to Diverging	Proceed, DIVERGING speed passing signal and through turnouts, approaching next signal at DIVERGING speed. (DV plaque required)		File:CROR 434A.svg	N/A
435	Slow to Stop	Proceed, SLOW speed passing signal and through turnouts, preparing to stop at next signal.		File:CROR 435.svg
436	Restricting Signal	Proceed at RESTRICTED speed.		File:CROR 436.svg
437	Stop and Proceed Signal	Stop, then proceed at RESTRICTED speed.		File:CROR 437.svg	N/A
438	Take/Leave Siding Signal		Indications will be specified in the Special Instructions for each specific application of this signal.	File:CROR 438.svg
439	Stop Signal	Stop. (“A” plaque required, as shown) OPTIONAL PER RAILROAD: Unless required to clear a switch, crossing, controlled location, or spotting passenger equipment on station platforms, a train or engine not authorized by Rule 564 must stop at least 300 feet in advance of the STOP signal		File:CROR 439.svg
440	Direction Indicator	Flashing arrow indicators attached to block signals when illuminated, identify that the route at the next controlled location is displaying a permissive signal and the route is lined and secured as indicated by the direction of the arrow.		File:CROR 440.svg	N/A

Trackside signs

Rule	Name	Description	Image
	Whistle post	Located at least one-quarter (¼) mile from the edge of all public crossings at grade, blind curves and tunnels	File:Whistle post.svg File:Whistle board MTQ.svg
	Prohibited Whistle Post	Located at least one-quarter (¼) mile from the edge of every public crossing at grade, where engine whistle signal Rule 14 (l) is prohibited by special instruction. Sound whistle only in emergencies.	File:Whistle post ban.svg
	Main Track Ends	Located at the actual point where main track ends.
	Permissible Speed sign	Marks the beginning of a speed zone specified in special instructions. When one speed is shown on the sign, it applies to all trains and engines. When two speeds are shown on the sign, the higher speed applies to passenger trains and the lower speed to other trains and engines. If the new speed zone is faster than the current speed zone, the movement must clear the current speed zone before speeding up	File:CROR permissible speed sign.svg Error creating thumbnail:
	Decreasing zone speed sign	Decreasing zone speed signs indicate a reduction in zone speed and will be placed 3000 yards in advance of the speed restriction point to indicate maximum allowable speed within the limits of the zone identified in the time table.	File:Decreasing zone speed sign.svg
	Advanced speed restriction sign		File:Advanced speed restriction sign.svg