In forming a passenger train, no freight car shall be placed in the rear of a passenger car. A conductor, officer or agent who shall direct or knowingly suffer such an arrangement shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
The provisions of this section shall not apply where a car or cars is so placed pursuant to the order or direction of an officer of the rank of at least Major of the Army or of Lieutenant-Commander of the Navy of the armed forces of the United States.
N.J.S. § 48:12-158