US Railroad General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) Practice Test

The definition of a Main Track is a track that has to be occupied without authority or protection. In railroad terminology, the Main Track is the primary track used for the passage of trains, and it is essential for maintaining the flow of rail traffic. This means that trains on the Main Track must operate under specific protocols and rules to ensure safety and coordination among train movements.

Main Tracks typically have strict occupancy rules that dictate how and when they can be used, ensuring that trains do not operate on this track without required authority or protection measures in place. This is critical because unauthorized occupancy could lead to accidents, collisions, or disruptions in service.

Other options do not correctly capture the essence of what a Main Track is. A Main Track is not limited to freight transport, nor is it exclusively for maintenance vehicles. Additionally, while there can be variable occupancy rules on certain tracks, Main Tracks have defined protocols and clear authority requirements that must be adhered to, making it crucial that only authorized trains occupy them during operations.