What action is required when yellow flags are present without work zone indication?

When yellow flags are present without a work zone indication, the appropriate action is to stay in the Movement Control System (MCS) mode and proceed as appropriate. Yellow flags typically signify caution and advise engineers to be vigilant as they proceed through the area. However, the absence of a specific work zone warning implies that normal operations can continue as long as the engineer conducts their duties with the standard precautions in mind.

In MCS mode, the system is designed to ensure that train operations are safe while still allowing for movement past caution indicators. This means that if all conditions are deemed safe and there are no further restrictions indicated by the flags, the engineer can operate the train within established limits.

The other choices do not align with the context provided by the presence of yellow flags without work zones. Stopping to assess track conditions may not be necessary when the situation does not indicate any immediate hazards. Switching to manual operation is a more drastic measure that is generally reserved for scenarios indicating more severe issues. Advising passengers of potential delays may cause unnecessary concern since yellow flags alone do not imply a significant disruption to service without accompanying work zone indications.