Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Alabama?
Alabama has no state law that limits how long a train may block a crossing. Checked 16 October 2026.
The rule
Alabama has no general statewide time limit for a train blocking a crossing; state law only says train crew members following company orders are not personally liable under laws or city ordinances on blocked crossings.
Exceptions and local rules
Jefferson County has its own local law (Code of Alabama 45-37A-56.70, from 2001): a train may not block a public crossing inside a Class 1 city (Birmingham) for more than five minutes, with a civil penalty of up to 1,000 dollars per violation. Crews must clear a crossing when police, firefighters or emergency vehicle drivers say an emergency requires it. An act of God, a train breakdown or vandalism is a defense.
No member of a train crew, yard crew or engine crew of a railroad, which is a common carrier, shall be held personally responsible or found guilty of violating any law of this state or any municipal ordinance regulating or intended to regulate the occupying or blocking of any street, road or highway crossing-at-grade
Does federal law override it?
No federal law sets a time limit for a train blocking a crossing. Federal law does control how railroads run trains, and courts have used it to set aside state time limits.
When a court holds a state limit preempted, the state cannot enforce it against the railroad. A limit no court has ruled on is still on the books, but railroads may challenge it the same way.
Where to report a blocked crossing
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) takes blocked crossing reports from the public for every state.
Report to the FRA blocked crossing reporter
We found no Alabama state page for blocked crossing reports, so the FRA reporter is the place to report.
If a train is blocking the crossing right now, call the railroad on the number shown on the blue sign at the crossing.
Crossings in Alabama
Alabama has 2,742 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.