Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Delaware?
Delaware law limits a train to 10 minutes blocking a road crossing, under 17 Del. C. § 701(c)-(e). We found no Delaware court ruling on this limit. Courts elsewhere have held similar limits preempted by federal law, so it may not be enforceable against railroads. Checked 16 October 2026.
The rule
Delaware law says a railroad must get its trains across a public road within 10 minutes so the road is not blocked any longer, unless an emergency causes the delay.
Exceptions and local rules
The limit does not apply when an emergency causes the delay. The railroad company is fined 500 to 1,000 dollars for a first conviction and 1,000 to 2,000 dollars for each later conviction within one year. Justices of the peace hear these cases, with appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.
Every corporation operating any line of railroad within the State shall cause its trains to cross a highway or road for the public use within 10 minutes so that the highway or road is not blocked for any longer period of time, unless an emergency is the cause of the delay.
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 Delaware 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 Delaware
Delaware has 249 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.