Which statement accurately describes the requirement for auxiliary lights before departure?

• A. Auxiliary lights must be operational before leaving the engine's initial terminal.
• B. Auxiliary lights are optional.
• C. Auxiliary lights must be checked after departure.
• D. Auxiliary lights are not required.

Answer: (A)

Auxiliary lights are part of the pre-departure safety checks. They must be working before you start moving from the engine’s initial terminal because they help others see the locomotive and its movements, especially in dim conditions or at night. The rule requires you to verify them as part of the pre-departure inspection, and if any are not operational, you cannot depart until they’re repaired. They’re not optional and you don’t wait to check them after you’ve begun moving.