Blocked crossing laws
How long can a train block a crossing in Idaho?
Idaho law limits a train to 15 minutes blocking a road crossing, under Idaho Code § 49-1425. We found no Idaho 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
Idaho law says no person or government agency may run a train in a way that keeps vehicles from using a road for more than 15 minutes in a row, with some exceptions in the statute.
Exceptions and local rules
A train may block longer than 15 minutes when needed to obey train signals, to avoid hitting an object or person on the track, when the train is stopped to follow a government rule, when the train is disabled, when the train is moving (except while switching), or when no vehicle is waiting to cross.
No person or government agency shall operate any train in a manner as to prevent vehicular use of any highway for a period of time in excess of fifteen (15) consecutive minutes except:
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 Idaho 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 Idaho
Idaho has 1,167 public crossings in the FRA crossing inventory.