What type of track does a track warrant NOT authorize a train to occupy?

A track warrant serves as a form of authority that allows a train to occupy specific track sections for defined operations, primarily to manage train movements and ensure compliance with safety protocols. The correct answer is that a track warrant does not authorize a train to occupy foul time areas.

Foul time areas are defined as locations on a railway where equipment or personnel are working, which poses a safety risk for train movements. These areas are often marked or specified accordingly to ensure that trains do not enter or interfere with operations in regions where maintenance work, inspections, or other activities are ongoing. Because of the inherent risk to safety, trains are not granted permission to occupy these areas under any circumstances, even if they are issued a track warrant for adjacent tracks or sections.

In contrast, a main track, designated sidings, and non-revenue tracks are typically outlined within track warrants, allowing trains the authority to occupy those specified segments. Main tracks facilitate regular train operations, designated sidings provide space for trains to pass or stop, and non-revenue tracks are used for moving equipment or personnel. Each of these areas can be authorized for train movement under the right circumstances as defined by the track warrant provisions.