Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia law limits a train to 5 minutes blocking a road crossing, under 18 DCMR § 2211.7; 24 DCMR §§ 120.7, 120.8. We found no District of Columbia 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
A District of Columbia traffic regulation says a train or streetcar may not be operated so that it keeps a street from being used for travel for more than five minutes, except trains in motion that are not switching. A second District rule says no crossing where railroad tracks are laid may be blocked by a train, locomotive, car or crossing gates for more than five minutes, and the track supervisor or yardmaster can be held liable when gates are kept down longer on their order.
Exceptions and local rules
The traffic rule (18 DCMR 2211.7) does not apply to trains or cars in motion, other than those engaged in switching.
It shall be unlawful for the directing officer or operator of any railroad train or streetcar to direct the operation of or to operate the train or streetcar in such a manner as to prevent the use of any street for purposes of travel for a period of longer than five (5) minutes; Provided, that this subsection shall not apply to trains or cars in motion, other than those engaged in switching.
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia
District of Columbia has 1 public crossing in the FRA crossing inventory.
All crossings in District of Columbia