From NORAC Operating Rules, 8th Edition, Effective 1 January 2003.

Fixed Signal Aspects

Rule # Aspect(s) Indication
280a Rule 280a
Clear to Next Interlocking
 Trains with inoperative cab signals, automatic train stop or speed control must proceed on fixed signal indication, (and cab signal indication, if operable) not exceeding 79 MPH.

Trains with inoperative cab signals must approach the next home signal prepared to stop, unless Approach Normal (Rule 280b) is displayed on a distant signal prior to the home signal.
280b Rule 280b
Approach Normal
 Trains without operative cab signals must proceed on fixed signal indication not exceeding 79 MPH.
281 Rule 281
Clear
 Proceed not exceeding Normal Speed.
281a Rule 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 Rule 281b
Approach Limited
 Proceed approaching the next signal at Limited Speed.
281c Rule 281c
Limited Clear
 Proceed at Limited Speed until entire train clears all interlocking or spring switches, then proceed at Normal Speed.
282 Rule 282
Approach Medium
 Proceed approaching the next signal at Medium Speed.
282a Rule 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 Rule 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 Rule 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 Rule 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 Rule 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 Rule 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 Rule 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 Rule 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 Rule 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:

  1. Passed a more favorable fixed signal, or
  2. Entered nonsignalled DCS territory, or

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.
291 Rule 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:

  1. Passed a more favorable fixed signal, or
  2. Entered nonsignalled DCS territory, or

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 Rule 292
Stop Signal
 Stop.
293 Rule 293
Switch Closed Signal
 Proceed.
293a Rule 293a
Switch Open Signal
 Proceed prepared to stop short of open switches.
293b Rule 293b
Approach Clear
 Proceed.

NOTE: Does not convey block or track information.
293c Rule 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.

NOTE: Does not convey block or track information.
294 Rule 294
Clear Slide Detector Signal
 Proceed; slide detector not actuated.
294a Rule 294a
Slide Detector Signal
 Approach actuated slide detector prepared to stop short of obstruction.
296 Rule 296
Approach Permanent Speed Limit Sign
 Proceed prepared to operate at posted speed through permanent speed restriction.

NOTE: 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 of pole approximately 12 feet above the top of the rail.
296a Rule 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 Rule 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 Rule 296c
Resume Speed Sign
 Resume speed after the entire train has passed the Resume Speed Sign.
296d Rule 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 Rule 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 Rule 297a
Stop Sign
 Stop, unless permission is received as prescribed by Rule 135.
297bb Rule 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.
297c Rule 297c
Working Limits Resume Speed Sign
 Resume speed after the entire train has passed the Working Limits Resume Speed Sign.
297d Rule 297d
Diverging Approach Sign
 If routed to affected track, 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 Diverging Approach Sign.
298 Rule 298
Distant Signal Marker
 Visual reminder to push-pull trains that Rule 504(b) applies in the block governed by this signal.

NOTE: 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 Rule 298a
Delayed In Block Sign
 Visual reminder to push-pull trains that Rule 504(b) applies to station stops made at this station.

NOTE: 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.