Which term describes a speed not exceeding 45 mph on a specific portion of the railroad, as authorized by timetables or operating department publications?

• A. Limited Speed
• B. Maximum Authorized Speed (MAS)
• C. Medium Speed
• D. Restricted Speed

Answer: (A)

Understanding how railroads designate speeds on specific track segments helps you read operating rules accurately. Limited Speed describes a speed not exceeding 45 mph on a defined portion of the railroad, and this limit is authorized by the timetable or operating department publications for that particular segment. It’s a segment-specific restriction used when conditions on that piece of track require a lower speed but aren’t tied to the general route speed.

This differs from Maximum Authorized Speed, which is the overall ceiling for a route as published in the timetable—it's the maximum you may ever go on that line under current conditions, not a selectively limited segment. Restricted Speed is a different concept altogether: it applies when signals or track protections are not adequate, requiring you to proceed only at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see, often in yards or areas with limited protection. Medium Speed isn’t a standard term used here. So the described scenario matches limited speed.