What are "yard limits" in railroad operations?

Yard limits are specifically defined areas within railroad operations that are governed by particular operational rules and restrictions. This means that within these designated zones, trains may have specific speed limits, signaling protocols, and operational procedures that must be strictly followed to ensure safety and efficiency. The concept of yard limits is crucial for managing train movements in busy or complex areas, particularly those involving switching operations or where maintenance work may be taking place.

In contrast, the other options describe various aspects of railroad operations but do not accurately encompass the definition of yard limits. For instance, high-speed movement is not permissible within yard limits due to safety considerations. Parking regions for trains or locations for loading and unloading cargo are subject to different operational rules and designations and are not inherently tied to the concept of yard limits as defined by specific operational guidelines. Therefore, understanding yard limits as designated areas with precise rules is essential for ensuring safe and organized train operations.