Which rules and signals do not apply to the movement of track cars?

Automatic block signals are designed primarily for the management of train traffic on mainline tracks and are integral to the operations of conventional trains. While track cars may operate on rail lines, they typically do not interact with automatic block signals in the same automated way that passenger or freight trains do. Thus, track cars may not be governed by the same signaling systems that apply to regular train movements, which rely on block signals to control spacing and prevent collisions.

On the other hand, single track rules, emergency signals, and hazardous materials protocols still apply to track cars in various capacities. Single track rules are necessary for ensuring safe operations on tracks that might have simultaneous uses by different types of vehicles. Emergency signals are critical for any rail operations to ensure safety measures are in place, regardless of the type of vehicle. Similarly, hazardous materials protocols apply whenever track cars are transporting or working with those materials, maintaining safety standards that are essential across all rail operations.